The US Embassy in Minsk called on US citizens not to visit Belarus and to leave the country immediately. The relevant statement of the embassy was posted on X social network.
“Warning to US citizens. On August 18, the Lithuanian government closed the Tveretsius/Vidzi and Sumskas/Losha checkpoints on the border with Belarus. The remaining checkpoints remain open. Do not travel to Belarus. US citizens in Belarus should leave the country immediately,” the statement said.
On the night of August 18, Lithuanian authorities closed two border checkpoints with Belarus due to a possible threat to the country’s national security. Another reason is the ongoing migration crisis. Now it will be more difficult for citizens of Belarus to leave the country to the EU.
The decision to close two checkpoints in Belarus was described as an unfriendly step. Minsk believes that Lithuania deliberately creates conditions for queues at the border and reduces the flow of Lithuanians who can travel to Belarus without a visa. On August 28, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland authorities intend to discuss in Warsaw the possibility of the complete closure of all border points with Belarus. So far, four out of six border checkpoints are functioning.
