EU calls on Minsk to expel Wagner Group members from Belarus

WARSAW. Aug 28 (Interfax) - The interior ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have called on Minsk to remove Wagner Group members from Belarusian territory, Polish Radio said on Monday.

"This group must leave the region in which we live. International security requires this," Polish Radio quoted Poland's Minister of the Interior and Administration Mariusz Kaminski as saying.

"If a critical moment occurs, regardless of whether it is at the Polish or Lithuanian border, we will retaliate. All passenger and freight border crossings that are open will be closed. We will form a group that will constantly monitor the situation on our borders," Kaminski said.

On February 10, Poland closed the Bobrowniki-Berestovitsa checkpoint on the border with Belarus to trucks. The Kozlovichi-Kukuryki international road checkpoint is currently the only crossing point operating for freight vehicles on the Belarusian-Polish border. In addition, the Polish interior and administration minister prohibited entry for trucks registered in Belarus and Russia from Belarusian territory from June 1 until further notice.

On August 18, Lithuania closed the Sumskas (Losha) and Tverecius (Vidzy) checkpoints on the border with Belarus. The Lithuanian government explained its decision with reference to the geopolitical situation and the need to reduce risks. Now that Sumskas and Tverecius are closed, four checkpoints are currently operating on the border with Belarus, namely Medininkai (Kamenny Log), Lavoriskes (Kotlovka), Raigardas (Privalka) and Salcininkai (Benyakoni).