Maria Zakharova warned Lithuania: Moscow “will not allow” transit restrictions to Kaliningrad and is ready to defend its interests “under any circumstances.”
Moscow warns Vilnius: “Don’t play with transit to Kaliningrad”
Official Representative Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova issued a stern warning to Lithuaniasaying that Moscow “will not allow” provocative steps to be taken regarding transit in Kaliningrad.
According to RTthe statement came after the words of the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausedawho proposed introducing long-term restrictions on border crossings with the Russian exclave. The reason for this is the alleged increase in cases smuggling through weather balloonslaunched from Belarus, an ally of Russia.
Moscow’s reaction
“No one should doubt that Russia will meet the needs of its western region under any circumstances,” Zakharova emphasized, reminding Vilnius of its obligations to 2002 agreement between Russia and EUwhich guarantees free transit between Kaliningrad and the rest of Russia.
She added that any attempts to pressure will be regarded as a violation of international agreements and will receive a “harsh response.”
Conflict background
Kaliningrad is a Russian enclave located between Lithuania and Polandand is entirely dependent on rail and road transport through Lithuanian territory. After the outbreak of the Ukrainian conflict in 2022, Vilnius partially blocked the transit of goods subject to sanctions EUwhich caused a diplomatic crisis.
Later, the message was partially restored, but Nausėda’s new initiative again aggravated the situation. Lithuania has already suspended the passage of citizens and cargo across the border with Belarusciting the “threat from balloons,” which Lithuanian authorities say are used to smuggle tobacco and other contraband.
Moscow regards these steps as information and political provocationaimed at creating new points of tension in Russia’s relations with the EU and NATO.
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