{"id":175784,"date":"2026-02-16T12:26:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T09:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/175784\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T12:05:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:05:06","slug":"lukasenka-blames-lithuanian-leadership-foreign-advisors-for-tensions-with-belarus","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/175784\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0141uka\u0161enka blames Lithuanian leadership, \u201cforeign advisors\u201d for tensions with Belarus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\n Vilnius\n <\/div>\n \n
\n (Pozirk)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

February 16, Pozirk.<\/em><\/strong> Belarus is interested in \u201cthe constructive development of bilateral relations” with Lithuania, says Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka\u2019s congratulatory message to the Lithuanian people on the Restoration of the Lithuanian State Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even today, despite what he described as \u201cexisting difficulties and challenges\u201d and a \u201cdifficult international situation,\u201d Belarusians have maintained their sincere affection for Lithuanians, the politician\u2019s press office reported, quoting the message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Belarusian ruler blamed \u201cshort-sighted officials and their foreign advisers\u201d for advancing policies he said ran counter to the real interests of the Lithuanian people, adding that attempts to impose negative attitudes regarding the neighboring Belarus would fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tensions between Belarus and Lithuania over cigarette-smuggling balloons have been rising since last October, forcing Lithuanian authorities to close the border and suspend operations at Vilnius International Airport, located close to the Belarusian border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In late 2025, Vilnius declared an \u201cextreme situation,\u201d a low-level emergency, over incursions of weather balloons that carried contraband goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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