Russia opposes Lithuania's railway transport restrictions as "blatant hostile measures"

Lithuania Imposes Transport Restrictions on Russian Exclave Kaliningrad
Russian Foreign Ministry: "Restrictions Without Prior Notice Violate International Legal Obligations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russia is strongly protesting after Lithuania announced a significant reduction in the transportation of rail cargo entering Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave bordering Lithuania. The Lithuanian government denies that this is an independent action, stating it is part of the European Union (EU)'s sanctions against Russia, but Russia has indicated retaliatory measures and strongly opposed the move. There are concerns that the military tensions in the Baltic Sea region, which have continued since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will escalate further.

On the 20th (local time), the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, "We summoned the acting Lithuanian ambassador in Moscow to protest Lithuania's significant restrictions on rail cargo passing through its territory to Kaliningrad without prior notice to Russia, and demanded the immediate cancellation of these restrictions."

It added, "We regard Lithuania's provocative actions, which violate international legal obligations, as blatant hostile measures," and warned, "If cargo transportation between Kaliningrad and other Russian territories via Lithuania is not fully restored soon, Russia will exercise its right to take actions to protect its national interests."

Earlier, the Lithuanian railway authorities declared on the 18th at midnight the suspension of transportation of EU-sanctioned goods by rail to Kaliningrad. The restricted items include coal, steel, construction materials, and advanced engineering products, which account for about 50% of the cargo heading to Kaliningrad.

In response to Russia's strong criticism, the Lithuanian government emphasized that the measures are in line with the EU's sanctions against Russia and are not unilateral actions. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's Foreign Minister, said at a press conference after the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg that day, "Lithuania is not acting alone," and reiterated, "This is based on EU guidelines in consultation with the European Commission."

The EU also criticized Russia, stating that Russia has no grounds to complain to Lithuania. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at a press conference that day, "Lithuania has only applied EU sanctions and has done nothing else," and added, "We are concerned about Russia's retaliatory measures, but Lithuania is innocent."

Meanwhile, Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave surrounded by the Baltic Sea to the north, Lithuania to the east, and Poland to the south. It is a strategic location housing Russia's major ice-free port in Europe and the base of the Baltic Fleet. Currently, the Russian military has concentrated various missile launchers, including Iskander systems, in this area and has been conducting regular military exercises since the Ukraine crisis, increasing military tensions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.