The discovery of these tunnels marks a new phase in the ongoing migration challenges along Lithuania's border with Belarus.
Shift in Migrant Tactics
This year, the use of tunnels has become more common, with the first such structures identified last year. Lithuanian border guards recently found a tunnel in the southeastern part of the country reinforced with wooden supports—a sign of deliberate preparation and ongoing assistance, according to officials. The head of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), Rustamas Liubajevas, noted a clear change in how migrants are attempting to cross the border.
'Recently we have observed a shift in migrant tactics: they are increasingly relying on tunnels or caves,' Liubajevas said.
He added that such operations would be impossible without logistical backing from Belarusian border guards. 'First, all this activity takes place right at the border. Second, there is a need to supply timber, since the tunnel has wooden supports,' he explained.
Response and Broader Concerns
In response to the rising number of illegal migrants, Lithuania’s Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas has not ruled out temporarily reinstating border controls with Latvia. 'We have almost no doubt that the Belarusian authorities are either turning a blind eye or actively helping migrants dig these tunnels,' Liubajevas concluded.
Lithuania has detected dozens of illegal crossing attempts via these tunnels from Belarus, sparking alarm among local officials who suspect the Belarusian regime is complicit. The situation along the Lithuanian-Belarusian border reflects escalating tensions in the region. The adoption of new routes for illegal migration could further strain relations between Lithuania and Belarus. Lithuanian officials, pointing to likely Belarusian government support, may be compelled to take additional measures to secure their borders.
The evolving situation at the Lithuanian-Belarusian border is further complicated by recent policy changes in Belarus, such as the easing of residency requirements for Russian citizens. This move may contribute to an influx of individuals seeking to cross into Lithuania. For more insights on how these developments could impact migration patterns, read about the new residency rules in Belarus.