Russia Pushes Back on Lithuania’s Transit Restrictions
(MENAFN) The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to Lithuania against pursuing "provocative steps" regarding transit access to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared on Wednesday that there should be "no doubt" that Russia will defend the interests of the western region.
The caution follows Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's proposal on Sunday to impose long-term restrictions on transit to Kaliningrad, citing concerns over alleged smuggling by means of meteorological balloons launched from Belarus, a key Russian ally.
Zakharova reminded Lithuania of its obligations to ensure unhindered transit, undertaken under the 2002 agreement between Russia and the European Union. "No one should have any doubt that Russia will, under any circumstances, meet the needs of its westernmost region," she said on Wednesday.
Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland, relies on rail and road links through Lithuanian territory to connect with the rest of Russia. After the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Vilnius blocked the transit of EU-sanctioned goods, prompting Moscow to accuse Lithuania of imposing a blockade. The dispute was partially resolved and rail traffic restored. At least two crossings have been serving cars and pedestrians.
Lithuania earlier announced an indefinite suspension of border crossings with Belarus over the alleged balloon threat, effective on Wednesday. Belarusian officials have condemned Lithuania's abrupt restrictions of cross-border traffic, saying travelers are facing uncertainty as a result.
The move comes amid a series of incidents involving small weather balloons allegedly used by smugglers to ferry tobacco products across the border. Lithuanian officials claim the airborne contraband launches originate in Belarus and have caused disruptions, including flight delays at Vilnius International Airport.
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