Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Turchyn's meeting with Lithuanian carriers a propaganda step
After a meeting with representatives of carriers in Minsk on March 17, the Belarusian authorities stated that they do not intend to confiscate Lithuanian and Polish trucks detained on the country's territory. According to official information, Minsk wants to find a "constructive solution" and a way out of the situation. But the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees no signs of this, reports LRT.
Alexander Turchyn (center) during a meeting with Lithuanian carriers on March 17, 2026. Photo: BelTA
The problem arose after Belarus began detaining Lithuanian trucks and sending them to special parking lots under the control of customs authorities since late October, following Lithuania's temporary blocking of the state border. These parking lots are managed by a company under EU sanctions. A fee of about 120 euros per day is charged for each truck or semi-trailer for staying there. Initially, the Belarusian authorities even threatened to confiscate the vehicles after several months.
Now Minsk states that it does not plan confiscation but emphasizes that parking fees must be compensated. This causes concern among carriers, as the amount can be very large — sometimes even exceeding the value of the vehicle itself.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sharply criticized these actions. They believe that yesterday's meeting with carriers, involving Prime Minister Alexander Turchyn, along with statements about a "peaceful resolution," is merely a propaganda step and part of a hybrid campaign to pressure Lithuania. According to the Lithuanian side, Belarus is deliberately detaining transport and using the situation for political purposes.
Lithuania demands the immediate release of all detained trucks and an end to other actions it considers hostile, including the launching of contraband balloons that could threaten aviation safety.
It is noted that the main industry organizations of Lithuania — neither the largest Linava nor other major associations — did not participate in the meeting with the Belarusian prime minister. Only an initiative group of carriers went there. According to industry representatives, there is no precise information yet on what final decision Belarus will make, but it is expected to appear in the near future.
According to various data, several hundred to several thousand Lithuanian trucks and semi-trailers were detained in Belarus. Some have already returned, but a significant number remain in the country's territory, and carriers are incurring significant financial losses.
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