Lithuania is ready for Russia's retaliatory measures, including a possible disconnection from the regional power grid, President Gitanas Nauseda said
Lithuania will expand the list of trade restrictions on transit between the Kaliningrad region and the rest of Russia while expanding the sanctions of the European Union, said the President of the Republic Gitanas Nauseda, reports Reuters.
He also stated that Lithuania is ready for retaliatory measures from Russia, including the possible disconnection of Lithuania from the regional energy system.
“We are ready for unfriendly actions from Russia, such as disconnection from the BRELL system and others,— Nauseda said.
BRELL— system for integrating power grids in Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Russia and the West, the Baltic countries announced plans to withdraw from it.
At the same time, Nauseda said that he did not expect a military confrontation with Russia. “I don't believe Russia will challenge us militarily because we are a member of NATO,” — he believes.
Lithuania announced a ban from June 18 on the transit between the Kaliningrad region and the rest of Russia of sanctioned goods, including wood, metals, cement and other products. The Russian Foreign Ministry protested to Vilnius and demanded that restrictions be lifted immediately.
Read on RBC Pro Pro What companies need to consider when creating a corporate superapp for employees Instructions Pro Waiting for clarity: will warehouse rent become cheaper in 2022 Articles Pro And live in peace: six countries to change tax residence ordinary life Articles Pro “I'm like a ninja in a street fight”: Ray Dalio – on the impact of meditation Articles Pro Why toxic leaders are the most successful and what to do about it Articles Pro Capitalism in Russia failed to build. What model to replace it Articles Pro Should we expect a rush demand for suburban real estate Articles
The head of the Kaliningrad region, Anton Alikhanov, called the ban on the transit of sanctioned goods a violation of the international obligations of both Lithuania and the EU, saying that the neighboring country would face consequences. At the same time, he said that the inhabitants of the region do not expect a shortage of goods, since the products that fell under the restrictions can be delivered by sea.
The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, commenting on Moscow's claims, stated that it complies with EU sanctions and does not introduce any unilateral restrictions. They also said that the transit of goods that do not fall under EU sanctions continues.
The Federation Council called the actions of Lithuania “blockade”; Kaliningrad region and promised “tough” retaliatory measures, and the Russian Foreign Ministry said that they would be “practical”, not diplomatic in nature.
EU sanctions affecting the import of timber, steel and iron, cement and other goods from Russia were introduced in the spring after the start of the military operation in Ukraine.
Authors Tags Subscribe to VK RBC Get news faster than anyone else
