[Text/Observer Network Liu Chenghui] Regarding Lithuania’s blockade of transit cargo transportation in Kaliningrad, Russia has issued strong warnings in recent days. On June 20, local time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Lithuania’s charge d’affaires in Russia t

[Text/Observer Network Liu Chenghui]

Regarding Lithuania blocking Kaliningrad transit cargo transportation, Russia has issued strong warnings from many parties in recent days. On June 20, local time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Lithuania’s Charge d’Affaires in Russia to express dissatisfaction with Lithuania’s ban on Russia’s transit transport of goods to Kaliningrad Oblast.

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Lithuania's move as a "violation of international obligations" and an "open hostile act." If Lithuania cannot resume transit transportation as soon as possible, Russia has the right to take action to protect its own interests.

"Russia issued an 'ultimatum' to Lithuania." RIA Novosti reported on 20.

RIA Novosti reported: Kaliningrad transportation is blocked, Russia issued an ultimatum to Lithuania

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out in a statement, "Russia strongly protests against Lithuania's ban on transiting large quantities of goods to Kaliningrad through Lithuania without prior notification. Kaliningrad region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for the immediate lifting of these restrictions."

In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kremlin spokesman Peskov also said on the 20th that Lithuania's decision to ban the transportation of goods through rail transit to Kaliningrad is "unprecedented "illegal acts", Russia will not remain indifferent to this.

"This decision is truly unprecedented. It goes against everything. In my opinion, it is related to the decision taken by the EU to extend sanctions to transit transport. We believe this is illegal." "Peskov told reporters that Russia needs to conduct a serious and in-depth analysis to formulate countermeasures, and relevant work will be carried out in the next few days.

Andrei Klimov, chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Committee for the Protection of National Sovereignty, warned that if the EU cannot resolve the issue immediately, Russia will "likely deny the legitimacy of Lithuania's EU membership." Russia "will also let its hands go and use any means to solve the transit problem in the Kaliningrad region."

Meanwhile, Russian Senator Olga Kvitidi said Lithuania's move would have consequences for Baltic countries. to have a negative impact on the "mobility and opportunities" of residents of these countries.

Railway line from Lithuania to Kaliningrad (Photo: Lithuanian media Respublika.lt)

Although Russia and Lithuania are at war with each other, Kaliningrad Oblast, which is at the center of the whirlpool, seems a little "calm".

Dmitry Ryskov, head of the Kaliningrad State Government Information Office, told the Russian Satellite News Agency on the 20th that Kaliningrad is working hard to resolve this issue with the Russian government after Lithuania announced its decision to block it. . Ryskov said there will be no shortage of goods in the Kaliningrad Oblast, and if there is a rail transport terminal, goods can also be transported by ferry.

Kaliningrad's geographical location

Kaliningrad Oblast is a Russian enclave in the Baltic Sea region. It is located on the east coast of the Baltic Sea and borders Poland and Lithuania. On June 17, Lithuania announced that it would ban the transit of goods from various Russian regions to Kaliningrad Oblast via its railways from the 18th, saying that the decision was made within the framework of a series of EU sanctions against Russia.

Regarding Lithuania’s ban, Kaliningrad Governor Anton Alikhanov warned local residents that there is no need to resort to “panic buying” and that the state is studying three plans to deal with sanctions.

Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev said on the 18th that Lithuania’s actions violated international law . He said that on June 24, 1994, Russia and the European Union signed an agreement on partnership and cooperation matters, which has not yet been abrogated.

According to the agreement, Russia and the EU agreed that the principle of freedom of transit is a basic condition for achieving the goals of the agreement. In this regard, each Party shall ensure the free transit through its territory of goods originating in or destined for the other's customs territory.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Lithuania has been actively agitating for sanctions against Russia. Currently, Lithuania has cut off oil, natural gas , and electricity trade with Russia, becoming the first EU member to completely cut off Russia's energy imports. In April this year, Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs proactively announced a downgrade of diplomatic relations with Russia, requiring the Russian ambassador to leave the country and closing the Russian Consulate General in Klaipeda.

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