Lithuania to temporarily close two checkpoints with Belarus amid tensions on border

Published August 16, 2023 4:27 AM

By LIUDAS DAPKUS
Associated Press

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Lithuania has decided to temporarily close two of its six checkpoints with Belarus this week amid growing tensions with its eastern neighbor, an ally of Russia. Wednesday’s decision came as Lithuanians grow increasingly worried about the presence of Russia-linked Wagner group mercenaries in Belarus. The head of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service, said that there could be up to 4,500 of Wagner fighters there, with some of them being based close to the Lithuanian and Polish borders. In recent days, Poland has been deploying thousands of troops to its border with Belarus.

Article Topic Follows: AP-Colorado

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KION 46 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.