The European Commission clarified the nuances of the transit of goods to Kaliningrad/НВ
The European Commission allowed Russia to transport sanctioned goods by rail to and from the Kaliningrad region through the EU. We are talking about goods that have a military purpose.
In the instruction published by the Commission, it is indicated that the EU countries should monitor the “trade” between mainland Russia and the Kaliningrad region.
Goods subject to sanctions, such as wood, metal, etc., but transported to or from Kaliningrad not for export, can be transported by rail. Trade by road is prohibited.
Please note! Despite the updated rules, the transit of military goods and technologies remains prohibited.
The transit of some Russian goods to Kaliningrad stopped after the entry into force of EU sanctions. Therefore, representatives of Lithuania and the European Commission held consultations on the transit of sanctioned goods to the Kaliningrad region after Russia's outrage regarding restrictions on various goods.
What you should know about Kaliningrad
This is the westernmost part of Russia, sandwiched between the Baltic Sea and NATO members Poland and Lithuania. The city is separated from the mainland of Russia by about 700 kilometers, so the transit of all Russian goods to this region is carried out through the territories of Latvia, Belarus and Lithuania.
Since June 2022, European sanctions have come into effect and Lithuania has banned the transit of goods between Russia and the Kaliningrad region, both by rail and by road. The ban affected between 40% and 50% of products.
Russian officials condemned Lithuania's decision and said that “the blockade of Kaliningrad would have consequences and could serve as a basis for very tough and absolutely legal actions by Russia.” Lithuania, however, stated that only the EU sanctions against Russia for the war against Ukraine are observed, and the term “blockade of Kaliningrad” is a provocation, since only part of the cargo cannot be imported, and the transit of people and other products is allowed.
Lithuania's reaction was not long in coming.
According to Delfi, Lithuania condemns Russia's war against Ukraine and continues to support the development of sanctions against the aggressor, as well as consistently and effectively implementing restrictive measures against Russia , unanimously agreed by all EU Member States, in constant consultation with the European Commission.
