Kaliningrad crisis: Insiders report on EU negotiations - Lithuania draws a red line for compromise

Created: 07/01/2022 05:15

By: Felix Durach

The EU and Lithuania are discussing a compromise in the Kaliningrad dispute as part of the Ukraine war.

However, insiders continue to fear a possible escalation.

Moscow – The situation around the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad in Lithuania remains tense.

On June 17, the Lithuanian government enforced a transit ban on certain goods through its own territory to Kaliningrad.

The measures came as part of EU sanctions against Russia in response to the Ukraine war.

Steel, metal and other building materials are affected by the restrictions.

However, the Lithuanian government has recently repeatedly confirmed that essential goods for the population would be allowed through to Kaliningrad.

Ukraine-News: Lithuania in Kaliningrad dispute with Russia – “Don't be afraid”

The Kremlin recently reacted to the sanctions with threatening gestures and spoke of a blockade.

Dmitry Rogozin, a member of the Russian Duma, even questioned the legality of the Lithuanian borders in response to the measures on state television.

"Basically, Lithuania has questioned its own borders," said the Kremlin politician.

This was reported by the

Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda sees the Russian threats primarily as a disinformation campaign.

"Russia is trying to use this opportunity to create a propaganda bubble and of course trying to scare us, to threaten us," said the head of state of the German Press Agency (dpa).

However, Lithuania does not want to be intimidated by the threats.

"We are not afraid for our security." Nauseda trusts in the support obligations within NATO under Article 5 and in the general strength of the military alliance.

Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda (centre) together with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a visit to the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Lithuania.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa

Kaliningrad: EU and Lithuania discuss compromise – solution by July 10?

The President also points out that the transit restriction would not only be an issue between Russia and Lithuania.

"The real story is that this is a matter between the European Commission and Russia," Nauseda said.

The EU therefore seems to be working on a solution to the problem of the Russian exclave.

Representatives of the European Union are currently negotiating with Lithuania to suspend transit restrictions - also with the support of Germany.

The

reports with reference to two people familiar with the process.

A compromise could be found in the coming days.

July 10 is mentioned in the reports as the deadline for a solution.

"We are in close coordination with the European Commission, which is expected to announce the guidelines for the treatment of these goods in transit in a few days," President Nauseda also confirmed the talks.

Located between NATO states on the Baltic Sea: the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

© dpa/Graphic: A. Brühl, Editor: J. Schneider

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However, it remains to be seen what an agreement on the transit restrictions will look like.

"We would like to emphasize, and this is our position, that there should not be a green corridor for special goods," said the Lithuanian President, looking at a possible end to the conflict.

A compromise would also be crucial because otherwise a military escalation by Russia cannot be ruled out.

report

, insiders fear that, in an emergency, Russia could try to create a land corridor to Kaliningrad through Lithuanian territory.

The Russian exclave is "sacred" to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin.

Rogozin also underscored Russia's demands: "It's our territory and we will decide what to bring in," the deputy said.