The infamously aggressive Russian mercenary organization has found refuge in Belarus following a rebellion that briefly posed a threat to Moscow.
On Friday, Lithuania announced the closure of two out of its six border crossings with neighboring Belarus as a precautionary measure against the potential threat from the Russian mercenary group Wagner.
"The Sumsko and Tvereciaus border crossings were shut down at midnight," stated Lina Laurinaityte-Grigiene, spokesperson for the Lithuanian border guards. She added that barbed wire fences would be installed later in the day.
Lithuania, a NATO member that shares borders with both Belarus and Russia, is taking this action due to escalating tensions with its neighboring countries, including Belarus, which Vilnius accuses of provocations.
This decision also aims to combat smuggling. The remaining four crossing points are equipped with x-ray detection systems, unlike the two crossings closed on Friday.
Additionally, the move aims to reduce the number of trips between the two nations. In the first half of the year, Lithuanians crossed the Belarusian border 230,000 times.
Vilnius is concerned that Minsk authorities might exploit this situation to potentially recruit spies from among the travelers, using tactics like blackmail or other pressures.
The relationship between the two nations has consistently been tense, but it has further deteriorated since the contested 2020 Belarusian presidential election and the onset of the Ukraine conflict, which was partly launched from Belarusian territory.
The Minsk authorities have labeled the decision made by their Lithuanian neighbor as "unsubstantiated."
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