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POZIRK+Lithuania arrests six over cigarette smuggling from Belarus
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LINAVA urges EU to intervene over trucks held in Belarus, cites €16 million in losses
March 3, Pozirk. LINAVA, the Lithuanian National Road Carriers Association, sent an official complaint to the European Commission regarding Lithuanian and other European Union trucks stranded in Belarus, citing significant property damage caused by Minsk’s refusal to release the vehicles.
Belarus still reportedly holds at least 1,071 vehicles belonging to 149 Lithuanian transport companies, including 496 trucks and 575 semi-trailers. LINAVA estimated their value at €15,907,020.
Six additional companies reported that 400 more vehicles may have been held in Belarus. If confirmed, the total number could rise to 1,472, with their combined value reaching nearly €22 million, the letter said.
Belarusian authorities charge fees of up to €120 per vehicle per day, and there have been reports of possible confiscation after four months, according to LINAVA. The association urged the European Commission to coordinate diplomatic and legal measures to ensure the return of the stranded vehicles, explore compensation mechanisms and alert member states to increased transport risks in Belarus.
Minsk barred Lithuanian trucks from leaving the country after Vilnius closed the Medininkai–Kamienny Łoh and Šalčininkai–Bieniakoni border checkpoints for three weeks in late October and November 2025, following incursions by air balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes from Belarus.
Belarus pushed for consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries, while Lithuania rejected direct diplomatic talks, having significantly downgraded official contacts after what it described as Belarus’ rigged 2020 presidential election.
Vilnius views the political negotiations with Minsk as an attempt to break the international isolation of Alaksandar Łukašenka’s regime and potentially pave the way for easing sanctions.
Belarus holds 496 Lithuanian trucks, 575 semi-trailers – LINAVA
February 20, Pozirk. LINAVA, the Lithuanian National Road Carriers Association, has updated its data on Lithuanian equipment seized by Belarus in what appears to be a major dispute over assets between the two countries. Erlandas Mikienas, president of LINAVA, said …
