Feb 18 • 06:12 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

VSAT: No illegal migrants recorded at the border with Belarus

Recently, there have been no illegal migrants turned back by border officers at the Lithuanian border with Belarus, according to VSAT reports.

In recent days, border officers in Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have reported no illegal migrants being turned back at their borders, as stated by the State Border Guard Service (VSAT). This marks a significant difference from last year, when VSAT officials prevented over 1,600 individuals from illegally entering Lithuania from Belarus, whereas only 14 such incidents have been recorded this year. This sharp decline highlights potential changes in migrant patterns or enforcement measures at the borders.

Since the onset of the migration crisis instigated by Belarus, Lithuania has successfully prevented a total of 24,600 illegal migrants from entering the country. The migration surge began in 2021, with Western nations accusing the regime in Minsk of orchestrating a crisis by facilitating the flow of migrants as a form of hybrid warfare against the European Union. The recent reports suggest that either border enforcement has intensified, or the number of attempts to cross the border from Belarus has decreased significantly.

The implications of these developments are crucial not only for Lithuania but also for the broader stability of the EU’s eastern border. The decrease in illegal border crossings might indicate improved border security measures or shifting geopolitical dynamics, which could impact future migration flows and responses from Eastern European countries regarding border control policies. Lithuania's stance and actions could also influence EU policies concerning migration and asylum, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Belarus and the potential for renewed migrant crisis scenarios in the future.

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