Putin and Lukashenko discuss imposing joint sanctions on Lithuania over the blockade of Kaliningrad goods – Observer

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday discussed possible joint sanctions on Lithuania with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in response to the ban on goods to Kaliningrad.

on one report Released by the Kremlin, Putin and Lukashenko are said to have spoken by phone about possible measures in the face of “illegal restrictions” imposed by Lithuania, underlining their mutual commitment to strengthening the alliance between the two countries.

Since June 17, Lithuanian authorities have been partially blocking the shipment of goods to the Russian enclave, which relies on rail and road networks across Lithuania to do much of the freight transport.

This measure is justified by the fourth package of EU sanctions against Russia and affects the industrial sector, including the transport of coal, minerals and building materials. had become Tensions with the Kremlinwho accuses Lithuania of imposing an illegal blockade.

Kaliningrad. Could a partial siege of the enclave lead to a Russian invasion of Lithuania?

The conversation between the two leaders comes after Lithuania on Monday extended restrictions on trade through its territory into the Russian enclave. A spokesman for Lithuania’s customs services said the list now includes timber, concrete, alcohol and alcohol-based industrial chemicals.

according to ReutersThe governor of the Kaliningrad region, Anton Alikhanov, proposed a complete ban on the movement of goods between the Baltic states (Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia) and Russia. The action, which he described as “reciprocal,” would leave Pocket out of the block.