In a strategic briefing about regional grain logistics, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Aušrine Armonaitė, indicated that the country stands ready to move up to one million tons of grain from Ukraine by rail. The declaration came through a local Lithuanian television outlet, TV3, which reported the minister’s remarks following a recent discussion on transport and trade routes that connect Ukraine with global markets through neighboring states.
Following talks with Waldemar Buda, Poland’s Minister of Economic Development and Technology, the Lithuanian official outlined a plan in which Ukrainian grain would travel over Polish rail networks before reaching international buyers via the Baltic Sea port of Klaipėda. The emphasis was on establishing a credible corridor that leverages existing rail links and port facilities to deliver Ukrainian grain to world markets efficiently and reliably. The arrangement would enable a smooth transfer of cargo from rail to sea, maximizing throughput while maintaining cargo integrity and timeliness.
The Lithuanian side stressed that Lithuania is prepared to support Ukraine in coordinating grain exports beyond the European Union framework. Officials highlighted that Lithuania’s transportation network has sufficient capacity to manage a million tons of grain, underscoring the potential for a coordinated, cross-border supply chain that aligns with both regional security interests and global food demand. This readiness reflects the country’s broader commitment to helping Ukraine diversify its export routes and reduce bottlenecks that can impede timely shipments to overseas customers.
One logistical nuance noted during the discussions concerns the differences in track gauge across the involved rail networks. Ukraine and Lithuania operate on a broader track gauge, while Poland uses a narrower standard. This disparity presents practical challenges for seamless through-carriage, requiring careful coordination of rolling stock, potential transshipment points, or gauge-changing solutions to avoid delays and preserve cargo quality. Experts emphasized that addressing these technical hurdles is essential to realizing a dependable export corridor that can handle large volumes without compromising schedule reliability.
Meanwhile, political reactions within the European context continued to unfold. A major European Parliament faction previously known as the largest in its bloc cautioned that the policy decisions of Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia regarding Ukrainian grain imports are influencing broader regional dynamics and trade relationships with Russia. The statement reflected the lingering tension over trade restrictions and the complex interplay between sanctions, agricultural markets, and diplomatic alignment with Kyiv. Observers noted that responses from member states remain closely watched by markets and international partners alike, as any shift in export policies can ripple through pricing, supply commitments, and strategic partnerships across Europe.