Lukashenko orders closure of Belarus-Ukraine border

Alexander Lukashenko, the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, said he has ordered full border closure with Ukraine, with claims that a large quantity of weapons is entering the neighbouring country.

The announcement was made through state media on 2 July. Lukashenko did not confirm his claims with any evidence.

His regime is facing international pressure for the crackdown on opposition and protesters, following controversial results of presidential elections held in August 2020.

The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on the Belarusan entities and Lukahenko's narrow circle for violence against pro-democracy activists and opposition politicians.

The election results have won Lucashencon, but the opposition says the elections were manipulated and the West has refused to recognise the official results, as well as does not consider Lucasenko as the country's legitimate leader.

Lukashenko also claimed some <x0) sleeper terrorist cells” linked to Germany, the United States, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine are on display in Belarus, according to the BelTA news agency.

The countries mentioned by Lukashenko have not yet commented on his statements.

Earlier, Lithuanian authorities said migrants continue to arrive from Belarus.

State Border Safety Service said through a statement that 150 illegal immigrants were caught trying to illegally cross the Belarus-Litvian border.

Since January, the total number of illegal immigrants who entered Lithuania illegally from Belarus is 822, the statement added.

Lithuania has called for the help of the European border agency Frontex, due to the influx of migrants.

Lithuania has been one of the most critical of Lucasencos.

The Baltic State has offered refuge to Svyatana Tsikhanouskaya, which supporters say was the true winner of elections in Belarus. / REL/