Russia, EU discussing issue of goods transit to Kaliningrad, says Russian Dy Foreign Min

Alexander Grushko, deputy foreign minister for Russia, stated on July 1 that Moscow is currently in discussions with European Union regarding transit of goods to its exclave of Kaliningrad through Lithuania. Moscow is also working on a set of punitive measures that will be implemented if issue is t resolved, according to Grushko, Sputnik reported. Despite this, Moscow is still developing a pack of retaliatory countermeasures, according to deputy foreign minister.

“After all, we have a certain dialogue with European Union. And we have conveyed our concerns [to bloc]. I believe we have been able to explain to m that decisions Lithuania has insisted on will result in serious costs t only for Lithuania, but also for EU. According to public statements made by representatives of European Commission, this signal has reached addressee and it has become concerned over problem,” Sputnik quoted Grushko as saying.

Earlier, media reports stated that due to a compromise reached between Vilnius and European Union, goods transit from Russia to its Kaliningrad enclave via Lithuania could resume in a few days. EU officials are negotiating removal of sanctions against Kaliningrad region. According to Sputnik, which cited a news ncy, agreement could be reached in early July.

Resources for a solution have t yet been exhausted: Grushko

According to Russia media ncy, Grushko furr added, "I think that, to date, resources for a solution have t yet been exhausted, but a ball is on side of EU and Lithuania. However, I would like to emphasize once again that we are ready for any scenario."

Russia lodged a strong protest last week to EU Ambassador in Moscow Markus Ederer in response to extension of sanctions to cargo transit to Kaliningrad region. In connection with Lithuania's decision to ban rail cargo transit to Russian exclave, EU diplomat was summoned to Russian foreign ministry.

In a statement, Russian foreign ministry said, " EU representative was strongly protested in connection with extension of unilateral anti-Russian restrictions to cargo transit between Kaliningrad region and rest of Russian territory. It was indicated that such actions that violate relevant legal and political obligations of European Union and lead to an escalation of tension are inadmissible."

(With ncy inputs)

Im: AP