Ukraine war: Moscow warns Europe against closing borders with Russia; 'playing with fire'

Russia has warned neighbouring European countries against closing ir borders with Russia and Belarus, claiming that doing so would result in blockade of Russia's westernmost exclave, Kaliningrad.

In response to Moscow's military offensive in Ukraine, Latvian and Lithuanian leaders made statements earlier this week about possibility of closing ir borders with Russia and Belarus.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko commented on situation on Wednesday, expressing extreme optimism that "common sense" would stave off Europeans from "playing with fire." Residents of Kaliningrad would be denied ability to travel by land to Russia's main territory by implementing such measures. 

“I really hope that common sense in Europe will t allow any games to be played around Kaliningrad. I think many people understand that this is playing with fire,” deputy minister told Russian media.

His comments follow statements by Latvian and Lithuanian officials this week pushing for closure of borders between ir countries’ Russian and Belarusian borderlines.

Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks had said on Tuesday that move could only happen if all three Baltic nations made decision toger, echoing Lithuanian FM Gabrielius Landsbergis’ suggestion of a wider collective “European or regional solution” being needed.

Andrey Deschitsa, Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, disclosed on March 31 that his country was in negotiations with Warsaw regarding sealing border between Poland and Belarus.

Even before Moscow's launched its military offensive against Kyiv, Poland and Baltic nations were recognised for ir tough stance toward Russia. Following commencement of "special military operation", se countries have repeatedly urged ir allies to intensify sanctions against Moscow and have taken steps on ir own as well. Poland expelled 45 Russian diplomats two weeks ago, alleging that y were involved in espion operations endangering Poland's and its allies' security.

Lithuania and Latvia to downgrade diplomatic ties with Russia

Lithuania became first EU nation to declare that it had “completely abandoned” Russian gas, as well as first to expel a Russian diplomat. On Monday, both Lithuania and Latvia anunced that ir diplomatic relations with Moscow would be downgraded.

Following Ukraine's alleged refusal to fulfil  provisions of Minsk agreements made in 2014, and Russia's subsequent recognition of Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, Russia launched an attack on its neighbour in late February. conventions brokered by Germany and France were intended to rmalise status of certain territories inside Ukrainian state.

Russia has w demanded that Ukraine declare itself a neutral country that would never enter NATO military alliance led by United States. Kyiv believes Russian invasion was unprovoked and refutes suggestions that it planned to seize two republics by force.