The European Union is moving toward a compromise to defuse tensions over Kaliningrad, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the talks.
Earlier in June, Lithuania imposed restrictions on transit between mainland Russia and its exclave of Kaliningrad, saying it was enforcing EU sanctions. Passenger and cargo traffic via Lithuania continued uninterrupted. Lithuania was then hit with country-wide cyber attacks, days after Moscow threatened to retaliate. Now, the EU fears Russia may resort to military action.
According to the compromise backed by Germany, sanction exemptions would apply to Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave wedged between Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea.
“[Russian President Vladimir Putin] has much more leverage than we have. It's in our interests to find a compromise,” a source told Reuters, adding that the compromise may appear unfair.
Read more: Lithuania and Kaliningrad – updated
According to Reuters, one compromise could see freight between Russia and Kaliningrad continue on the grounds it does not count as international trade. It would only be agreed upon if the cargo is used in Kaliningrad and not exported via its ports.
However, Lithuanian officials maintain any concession would send a signal of weakness and division to Russia, leading to more assertive behaviour and coercion in the future.
Lithuania has been seeking backing from the European Commission after announcing the implementation of sanctions. Critics say Vilnius failed to get the bloc onboard before announcing its move. Lithuanian officials maintain, however, that Russia knew the sanctions would come into effect and had been preparing.
Brussels is now drafting updated guidelines, which were sent to Vilnius earlier this month. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė then said the document “caused problems”.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
