[Text/Observer Network Liu Chenghui] Reuters quoted two sources as saying on June 29 that the dispute between Lithuania and Russia over transit transportation in Kaliningrad Oblast is expected to be resolved in the next few days. With the support of Germany, EU officials hope to reach an agreement with Lithuania to resolve the problem with Russia, because it is difficult for the EU to insist on severe sanctions while avoiding escalating the conflict with Russia, or even military conflicts. .
Reuters : The EU is close to reaching a compromise deal to resolve the standoff with Russia over Kaliningrad
EU officials are discussing exempting sanctions on Russian goods transiting Lithuania to Kaliningrad, according to the source. Problem, because Kaliningrad Oblast belongs to Russia, this situation is different from normal international trade . In addition, humanitarianism is also a consideration.
However, sources pointed out that concessions to Russia are also conditional, that is, the goods allowed to be transported can only be used in Kaliningrad and cannot be transshipped to other places through Baltic Fleet ports. However, the source admitted that it is difficult to ensure that Russia can fulfill this requirement, which may also lead to conflicts between Lithuania and Russia, which are responsible for confirming the final destination of the goods.
Currently, Lithuania still has reservations about making concessions to Russia. Sources said that if Lithuania can give up its reservations on this issue, the parties are expected to reach an agreement in early July. One of the sources said the parties were expected to reach a compromise agreement by July 10, while another said a deal could be announced next week.
reported that the dispute caused by the isolation of the Russian enclave is testing Europe's determination to implement sanctions against Russia. Although Western powers have pledged support for Ukraine, and reaffirmed their resolve at this week's Group of Seven (G7) and NATO summits, Europe has proven difficult to maintain tough sanctions on Russia. , to avoid further escalation of the conflict with Russia.
One of the sources said that this is why EU officials, with the support of Germany, are seeking a compromise on this.
Railway line from Lithuania to Kaliningrad (Photo: Lithuanian media Respublika.lt)
Sources also pointed out that under normal circumstances, if Russian domestic goods want to enter Kaliningrad, they must first pass through Belarus and then Lithuania. If this transportation line has not been restored, Lithuania is worried that Russia may use force to forcibly open a land passage on its territory. However, there are German troops stationed on Lithuanian territory. Once this happens, Germany may be involved in a military confrontation between NATO and Russia.
"We have to face reality." A person with direct knowledge of the EU negotiations said that Kaliningrad Oblast is "sacred" to Russia. "(Putin) has greater influence than us, and it is in our interest to find a compromise solution, although the final result may not seem fair."
A spokesman for the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it would continue to work with The European Commission is negotiating on sanctions against Russia, but any changes made by the EU should not only target Lithuania.
"Sanctions must be implemented, and any decision taken by the (EU) should not undermine the effectiveness and credibility of the sanctions policy." He added, "Since (Russia) can also pass other EU member states to Kaliningrad Transporting goods, the European Commission's statement on how to implement sanctions cannot be limited to Lithuania."
Kaliningrad Oblast's geographical location
Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast is located on the east coast of the Baltic Sea , separated from the Russian mainland and adjacent to to the south. Poland , borders Lithuania in the northeast and east, covering an area of only 15,100 square kilometers. Russia has historically relied on Belarus and Lithuania as transit countries for goods to Kaliningrad.
Starting from June 18, Lithuania began to ban goods subject to EU sanctions from transiting through Lithuanian territory to Kaliningrad, further exacerbating tensions with Russia. On the 20th, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Lithuania’s charge d’affaires in Russia, calling this an “open hostile act” and issuing an “ultimatum” to Lithuania.
The tense situation between Russia and Russia has also caused concern in the European Union. The European Union stated on the 23rd that it has "no intention to block" traffic between Russia and the Kaliningrad enclave. Lithuania is blocking transit transportation in Kaliningrad in accordance with the implementation of sanctions, but also stated that it will provide more guidance on this issue to Avoid trouble with traffic in Kaliningrad.
Bloomberg quoted sources as saying on the 27th that due to the concerns of some European countries, the EU is trying to put pressure on Lithuania to reduce the implementation of "EU sanctions" and allow some "prohibited goods" to enter Russia's Kaliningrad through Lithuanian territory. .
The Lithuanian Parliament passed an amendment bill on natural gas on the 28th, allowing the transportation of natural gas between Russia and the Kaliningrad enclave through Lithuanian territory, while the import of natural gas from Russia is prohibited.
Vice Chairman of the Russian Federation Security Council Medvedev html warned again on the 227th that Russia’s retaliatory measures against Lithuania’s blockade of Kaliningrad transit transportation will be very tough and can “cut off oxygen to the Baltic countries.” He emphasized that the EU did not insist on imposing restrictions, so Lithuania's move was actually "bowing to the United States, which once again proves its stupid 'Russophobic' attitude."
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