Watch: Why Russia is threatening Lithuania over Kaliningrad

Russia has warned it may “take motion” towards Lithuania after Vilnius began making use of sanctions on Russian items transiting by way of its territory and getting into Kaliningrad.

The exclave, sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland, is of strategic significance for Russia, which acquired the territory after WWII.

It now homes the nation’s Baltic fleet in addition to nuclear missiles, in response to reviews. It’s also one of many nation’s most vital industrial centres and has Russia’s solely ice-free port.

Moscow branded Lithuania’s new actions as “unprecedented” and “illegal”.

Lithuania, in the meantime, has stated that it’s only following EU sanctions towards Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Imports and transit of sure items resembling coal, metals and building supplies by way of the EU is barred.

The EU has supported Lithuania, emphasising that the small Baltic state is respecting the bloc’s sanctions and is by no means implementing measures unilaterally.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s prime diplomat harassed earlier this week that “the land transit between Kaliningrad and different elements of Russia has not been stopped nor banned, there isn’t any blockade” and that “transit of passengers and items that aren’t sanctioned continues.”

“In accordance with European Union sanctions, there are import and export restrictions that apply in relation to sure items together with the prohibition of transit for although items by way of the European Union territory. And Lithuania is doing nothing else however implementing the rules supplied by the Fee,” he informed reporters. 

Watch our report within the video participant above.