A woman traveling from Belarus to Lithuania was turned away at the border after customs officials found a significant amount of Soviet rubles in her possession. The officials justified their actions by stating that the currency, stamped with Soviet symbols, is viewed as a form of propaganda that contradicts Lithuania's efforts to distance itself from its Soviet past. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the Baltic region concerning symbols of the former Soviet era.

Lithuania, along with its Baltic neighbors Latvia and Estonia, has been actively pursuing a campaign of de-Sovietization, particularly intensifying these efforts following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. This campaign involves not only the removal of Soviet monuments but also action against individuals who display nostalgic sentiments toward the Soviet era. The authorities in these countries have taken a firm stance against what they see as threats to their national identity stemming from their Soviet past.

This latest border incident has stirred discussions about the broader implications of such strict customs enforcement, revealing the lengths to which these nations will go to preserve their contemporary identity. It raises questions regarding the treatment of artifacts from the Soviet period, as well as the balance between national security and individual freedoms for travelers crossing their borders. As tensions with Russia continue to rise, such incidents are likely to recur and may complicate relations between the Baltic states and its neighbors.