Feb 16 • 06:27 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

At the Border with Belarus, Illegal Migrants Have Not Been Recorded for 26 Days in a Row

Lithuania has seen a significant decrease in attempts by illegal migrants to cross from Belarus, with no incidents reported for the past 26 days.

Lithuanian border authorities have reported that for the past 26 consecutive days, there have been no recorded attempts by illegal migrants to cross from Belarus into Lithuania. This observation aligns with similar reports from neighboring countries, with Latvian border guards confirming no illegal crossings and Polish counterparts also reporting zero attempts over the weekend. This recent trend marks a stark contrast to previous years, especially when over 1,600 attempted illegal crossings occurred in 2021, a situation that triggered significant tensions between the EU and Belarus.

The surge in illegal migration from Belarus began in 2021 when Western nations accused the Belarusian government of orchestrating a migrant crisis as a form of hybrid warfare against the European Union. In response to the escalating situation, Lithuania had enforced strict border controls and intensified surveillance, ultimately leading to significant numbers of illegal migrants being turned away. Since the onset of the crisis, Lithuanian authorities have denied entry to more than 24,600 illegal migrants, reflecting a broader EU effort to manage migration challenges stemming from Belarus.

This decline in illegal crossings is considered a positive development for Lithuania, suggesting that heightened border security measures have been effective. However, the underlying tensions between the EU and Belarus remain unresolved, and the geopolitical implications of the migrant crisis continue to pose challenges for regional stability and security. The situation requires ongoing monitoring as the potential for resurgence in attempts to cross the border could arise, particularly with changing political dynamics in the region.

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