Lithuania will reopen two border crossings with Belarus on Thursday, weeks after shutting them due to weather balloons used for cigarette smuggling that violated its airspace. The Medininkai and Salcininkai crossings, closed since October 27, will resume operations following a decrease in balloon incidents. The reopening will also allow Lithuanian trucks stranded in Belarus to return home.
Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said restrictions are “no longer necessary for internal security,” while Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene warned that Lithuania may close the borders again if the situation deteriorates.