Lithuania facing migration wave on Belarus border

Synopsis

A growing number of African and Middle Eastern migrants enter Lithuania illegally from Belarus, as Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko encourages this influx in response to European Union sanctions. DW's Alexander Vernarman reports from the Lithuanian border, highlighting the challenges faced by border guards who struggle to manage the situation. The border, which stretches 700 kilometers, is inadequately protected, with only a small section fenced. Lithuanian authorities report that many migrants, primarily from Iraq and Central Africa, cross the border with little resistance from Belarusian officials. The Lithuanian government has declared a state of emergency due to the increasing number of illegal crossings and plans to invest 41 million euros in a new barrier. The border guards express frustration as their previous cooperation with Belarusian counterparts has deteriorated, with the latter now ignoring their communications. The situation has escalated, prompting concerns about the use of migrants as a weapon by Lukashenko.