Governor Anton Alikhanov spoke about Lithuania’s move to limit transit through Russia, calling it illegal and potentially impactful for the European Union. He shared his views in a video message released on Telegram.
Alikhanov referred to the bilateral agreements between Russia and the European Union under the World Trade Organization framework. These agreements emphasize the freedom of transit for energy goods, ensuring that such movements face no unnecessary delays or restrictions and remain free from customs duties. The document also specifies that bans on transit should be limited to concerns tied to public safety, the protection of human health and life, and the safeguarding of commercial property, a standard that directly relates to how energy supplies move across borders. This framing suggests that cement shipments, among others, do not fit the criteria for restrictions tied to human life or health, as Alikhanov argued is the case in this situation.
According to Alikhanov, international norms require Lithuanian authorities to notify Russia at least five days prior to ending any transit. He underscored Russia’s readiness to engage with the leadership of Lithuania on this matter, noting ongoing interactions with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Russian side has put forward three substantial proposals designed to influence the Baltic transport sector and has called for the withdrawal of statements related to Lithuania’s sanctions. This stance reflects Moscow’s intention to address the transit disruptions through formal channels and coordinated responses with neighboring governments, aiming to preserve the continuity of goods movement through the region. Source: WTO framework and related international standards provide the operating backdrop for these discussions, while the exchange of formal notices and proposals characterizes the current diplomacy surrounding Baltic transit.
In recent updates, it was announced that Kaliningrad will experience a halt to the transit of several goods that are subject to European Union sanctions. This development follows the decision by Lithuanian Railways and regional authorities to restrict certain cross-border movements, a move that has drawn international attention and prompted official discussions about compliance with international trade rules and regional security considerations. The broader dialogue continues to focus on how countries adjacent to the Baltic Sea can balance economic activity with compliance obligations, ensuring that essential energy and industrial shipments can proceed without undue impediments while still respecting the intended sanctions framework and safety requirements. The conversation remains centered on maintaining predictable transit flows and addressing any legal questions through established international processes, with ongoing consultations among affected parties and international institutions. Attribution: WTO rules, EU sanctions regimes, and regional diplomatic communications guide these developments and inform the public understanding of the evolving transit landscape.