The Kremlin has said that a ban on Lithuanian transit of goods approved by the European Union to Russia via Kaliningrad – Russia’s pocket in the EU – is “unacceptable”. Moscow is considering measures in response to Vilnius’ “unfriendly steps”, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peshkov. “We are convinced that the sanctions imposed by the EU are completely unacceptable. “Implementing these sanctions on the Kaliningrad crossing and vice versa is simply contrary to fundamental agreements,” Peshkov said on Wednesday, adding that retaliation was being discussed. Peshkov declined to say what the measures might entail, saying there was no exact timetable for Moscow’s response, but that he would announce them when they were ready. “Measures (response) are being prepared. “Once we weigh everything carefully, we will discuss it,” he said. Some background: Russia reacted angrily after Lithuania banned the passage of goods subject to sanctions from its territory in Kaliningrad last week. Peshkov said the move was “unprecedented” on Monday. “We also consider it illegal,” he said, adding that the Kremlin would need to carefully analyze the situation. “It’s part of an exclusion, of course,” he said. However, Lithuania said it simply supported the European Union sanctions and the European bloc supported the country’s decision. The dispute threatens to escalate tensions between Moscow and the EU, which has revealed several packages of sanctions on Russian products – including last month’s agreement to ban 90% of Russian oil imports by the end of 2022.
