Russia Warns Lithuania Over ‘Provocative Step’ to Block Transit to Kaliningrad Exclave
MOSCOW (ATP): Russia asserted on Wednesday that it will be able to meet the needs of its westernmost Kaliningrad Region under “any circumstances and conditions,” issuing a sharp warning to Lithuania following threats to block the vital transit route to the Russian exclave.
According to Tass news agency, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova addressed a statement reportedly made by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, who indicated Vilnius reserves the right to block Kaliningrad transit in the interests of national security.
“If this is true, then, first of all, we would like to remind Mr. Budrys of Lithuania’s obligations to ensure unhindered transit to/from the Kaliningrad Region, including those stemming from the joint statements of Russia and the EU dating back to 2002 and 2004,” Zakharova stated.
The joint statements, particularly the 2002 agreement, established a facilitated transit regime for persons and goods following Lithuania’s future accession to the European Union, acknowledging Kaliningrad’s “unique situation” as a Russian territory separated from the mainland.
Zakharova was unequivocal in her guarantee to the exclave, which is wedged between EU and NATO members Lithuania and Poland.
“No one should have any doubt that the Russian Federation, under any circumstances and in all conditions, will meet the needs of its westernmost region,” she emphasized, before urging restraint from Vilnius.
“We hope that the Lithuanian side will not resort to such a provocative step,” Zakharova added. The current tension arises amid increased concerns in the Baltic region regarding airspace incursions and other incidents, though Lithuania has previously implemented, and later eased, restrictions on the rail transit of EU-sanctioned goods to Kaliningrad.