Border guards day marked with focus on evolving migrant tactics
Monday 29th June 2026 on 22:45 in
Lithuania
Lithuania marked Border Guards Day with a demonstration of the State Border Guard Service’s (VSAT) capabilities in Alytus, as officials highlighted new methods used by migrants attempting to cross from Belarus, LRT reports.
The event included a display by the VSAT Aviation Directorate and the special unit “Kovas,” showcasing skills such as canine operations, equipment, and weaponry. Over 70 new graduates received diplomas, with another 70 expected to join the ranks soon. However, the service still faces a shortage of several hundred officers.
Public trust in VSAT remains strong, with more than half of Lithuanians expressing confidence in the institution. “We must trust and control state institutions,” said Alytus resident Gintaras, while Irena added, “I trust them—they work and protect our homeland.”
Border security has been reinforced, particularly in areas like the Kabeliai barrier, where migrants frequently attempt crossings through swamps and non-fortified sections. Andrius Beloručkinas, head of the Kabeliai barrier, noted increased personnel, quad bikes, and canine units, as well as expanded technical tools such as drones and vehicles.
Since January, nearly 900 irregular migrants have been denied entry. Over five years, border guards have blocked more than 25,000 attempts. Acting Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius acknowledged evolving tactics, including tunnel digging, but stressed that authorities are adapting to counter them.
“Lukashenko’s regime has not abandoned its hybrid attempts to destabilise our situation,” said VSAT chief Rustamas Liubajevas. He also noted a decline in contraband, including smuggled cigarettes, following recent operations. In May, 10 police officers and three border guards were detained in a crackdown on a cigarette smuggling ring in Šalčininkai, though no direct responsibility has yet been assigned.
VSAT employs around 2,400 officers. On average, five border guards face charges annually, but Liubajevas stated that overall performance remains strong.