Belarus’ Interior Minister on movement of Lithuanian trucks, drivers’ reactions and traffic police actions

After his today’s report to President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko, Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakov informed journalists about the situation concerning Lithuanian trucks, BelTA reports

The Interior Minister stated that traffic police officers have already escorted more than 1,000 Lithuanian trucks, which had gathered near the border due to Lithuania’s decision to close border checkpoints with Belarus, to specially designated secure parking areas. To achieve this, traffic police units from Grodno and Minsk, including the special Strela unit, were reassigned. All parking areas are under the Interior Ministry patrol protection. “We are fully ensuring security,” Mr. Kubrakov assured.

The Interior Minister also pointed out that all vehicles near the border were parked disorderly on the road and shoulders, “Many trailers and semi-trailers were simply left by drivers on the road, posing traffic hazards and increasing the risk of accidents. All these trailers and semi-trailers were not illuminated or marked in any way, and naturally, this could have been a problem and contributed to causing accidents.”

According to his information, there are still 26 trailers and semi-trailers left unattended on the road without drivers. “We are working to identify the owners of these trailers. However, despite media coverage, no one has come forward to evacuate them. Currently, I have ordered that all these trailers be towed to secure parking areas,” Mr. Kubrakov emphasised.

He also reminded that the President had previously instructed authorities to provide all necessary support to drivers who found themselves in difficult situations due to the decisions made by the Lithuanian authorities, “The requests our staff receive are diverse — ranging from help with transportation, accommodation and meals to assistance in contacting relatives or acquaintances to stay with temporarily.”

According to the official, drivers adequately assess the current situation and express strong criticism of the actions taken by the Lithuanian authorities. “They are very negative, without being shy in their expressions,” the Interior Minister explained. “Nevertheless, the help we provide is appreciated by the drivers. Following the President’s directive, we handle the situation with compassion and offer all the necessary support. As a result, we are also addressing concerns raised by drivers that do not directly fall under the jurisdiction of the internal affairs agencies.”

The Interior Ministry, acting within its competencies and following the tasks set by the President, continues to monitor the situation in the border areas, maintaining road safety. “Our teams are working in a heightened state of readiness. We are securing the entire area adjacent to where Lithuanian heavy trucks are located,” Mr. Kubrakov said.

When asked about the overall crime situation in the border area, the Interior Minister stated, “In light of the measures taken by the Lithuanian and Polish authorities, we have reinforced public order protection in the surrounding areas. At present, we have complete control over the situation. Public order is being maintained, and no incidents have occurred.”

Furthermore, Mr. Kubrakov reported to the Head of State on the country’s operational situation, which remains stable and under control, as before. “The President has assigned tasks in specific areas, and all of them will be fully completed,” the official added.