The resolution will come into force on March 01, 2024
The Lithuanian government has approved a number of measures aimed at restricting entry into the territory of the state by Russia and Belarus
Among them is a restriction on boarding and disembarking in Kyan and Kibartai for passengers traveling by transit trains to/from Kaliningrad or having tickets for it. This method of entry into the European Union was used and for another week can be used by citizens of the Russian Federation who have a residence permit or passport of one of the EU countries. In the opposite direction, to Russia, everyone was allowed on these trains, previously widely known as the “Nesterov trains”.
According to the transit rules previously established by the Lithuanian authorities, nothing like this should have happened in Kyan or Kibartai for a long time, stops there are now only technical, but somehow it worked.
Now, apparently, it will not be.
In addition, the government decided to stop the passage of pedestrians and cyclists through the Myadininkai and Shalchininkai checkpoints, as well as gradually reduce the number of permits issued to Belarusian and Lithuanian carriers carrying out regular international passenger transportation by buses.
In addition, Lithuania is going to close two more checkpoints on the border with Belarus: Lavorishkes – Kotlovka and Raigardas – Privalka. The Myadininkai (Kamenny Log on the Belarusian side) and Shalchininkai (Benyakoni) checkpoints will remain in operation, but it will be forbidden to move from one country to another on foot or by bicycle through them.
The third important point is that the number of permits issued to Belarusian and Lithuanian bus companies that carry out regular international passenger transportation will be reduced. This does not apply to transit flights between the Kaliningrad region and other Russian regions, but to the Vilnius – Minsk route, for example, in full.
All these measures, according to the Lithuanian authorities, are necessary to solve national security problems, combat smuggling and counter violations of international sanctions.
The government decree will come into force on March 01, 2024.
