Lithuania blocks record 34 migrants at Belarus border in single day

Lithuanian border guards prevented 34 irregular migrants from entering from Belarus on Monday—the highest daily total this year, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) reported.

The migrants, mostly men claiming citizenship from Afghanistan, Algeria, Eritrea, Pakistan, and Somalia, attempted to cross in multiple groups. Most were intercepted in the Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve area in Varėna district.

Border operations involved reinforced VSAT units, including dog handlers and a Eurocopter helicopter. Last week’s previous peak saw 29 attempts in one day.

VSAT noted that recent arrivals are typically “physically strong, healthy men aged 20–40,” often aggressive and resistant to contact with authorities. Some have thrown stones, sticks, and verbal abuse at officers—a pattern also observed in Poland.

“Their goal is not asylum in Lithuania but illegal transit to Western Europe, primarily Germany,” the statement said.

This year, Lithuania has blocked 169 irregular entries. In 2025, there were over 1,600 attempts, compared to 1,002 in 2024. The surge began in 2021, with Western officials accusing Minsk of orchestrating the flows.