Russia announces harsh response to Lithuania and EU due to Kaliningrad blockade

Russia could soon take tough action against Lithuania and the European Union  if they refuse to resume transit to Kaliningrad. 

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova threatened that the Russian side would not wait indefinitely until the EU countries agreed on the operation of the corridor for the transport of Russian goods to Kaliningrad.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry said "in the coming days" Moscow will respond to Lithuania and the European Union. According to her, measures have already been prepared if the situation does not stabilize.

“We hope that the only correct decision will be made in Brussels and Vilnius, which will ensure unhindered transit to the exclave part of Russia,” the spokeswoman expressed hope.

Zakharova's comment also emphasizes that Russian companies have already begun to incur losses due to the ban on importing goods into the territory of the Kaliningrad region.

Since June 18, Lithuania has stopped the transit to Kaliningrad of a number of goods that fell under EU sanctions. According to the governor of the Kaliningrad region Anton Alikhanov, the restrictions affected 40 to 50 percent of cargo, including building materials and metals.