Several truck drivers stuck at Pāternieki border checkpoint due to suspension of operations

The Pāternieki border checkpoint on the Latvia–Belarus border has seen several lorry drivers left stranded after operations at the crossing were halted. The drivers are unable to continue their journeys because their travel documents designate Pāternieki as the required border crossing point. It remains unclear how long the disruption could last.

Kristīne Pētersone, a public relations specialist at the State Border Guard, told the LETA news agency that a number of truck drivers are currently stuck. She confirmed that the drivers’ documents specify this particular checkpoint, which means they cannot simply switch to another crossing point on the border. The documentation requirement leaves no immediate alternative for the affected drivers.

Pāternieki is one of the checkpoints along the Latvia–Belarus border. In the event of a suspension of operations, arrangements are usually made to address the situation, but so far available information indicates that the drivers are left waiting. The reasons for the suspension and its expected duration have not been disclosed, and there is no official word on whether alternative routes or assistance will be provided.

The State Border Guard has said that more than one driver is affected, but it has not given an exact number. It is also not yet known when the checkpoint might resume operations or how the drivers are expected to proceed. The limited official information leaves many questions unanswered for the transportation sector and for the drivers currently waiting at the border.