While Latvia actively assesses and prepares measures for a complete suspension of bus connections with Belarus and Russia, official Vilnius takes a more restrained position. Despite calls from Latvian politicians to join the initiative, Lithuanian authorities see no grounds for hasty decisions. The Lithuanian side emphasizes: any restrictions affecting the transport sector should be adopted not under the influence of political conjuncture, but after a thorough analysis of all possible consequences.

Official Vilnius regularly monitors the situation at the border, but at the moment it sees no critical grounds for completely closing bus routes.

According to BNS agency data, Lithuania has 29 permits for regular passenger transport between Lithuania and Russia, Belarus, or transit through Lithuanian territory. Of these, 17 routes connect Vilnius with Belarusian cities.

In this discussion, people often forget the main thing – the interests of ordinary people. Any transport restrictions primarily affect ordinary citizens.

Lithuania's decision not to rush into bans appears to be an example of pragmatic policy. Whether this position will change in the future remains to be seen, but today's refusal to take hasty steps looks like a correct and logical decision that puts the interests of society first.

Svetlana SOBALEVA.