Lithuanian minister dismisses Belarus potash transit debate as ‘a waste of breath’

Lithuania's Transport Minister, Juras Taminskas, has dismissed discussion of resuming the transit of Belarusian potash fertilisers through the country as "a waste of breath," despite reports that the United States is encouraging regional governments to reconsider restrictions.

Speaking to Žinių Radijas on Thursday, Taminskas said European Union sanctions remained in force and were unlikely to be lifted in the near future.

"EU sanctions are in place and remain valid until next February," he said. "Last year, during discussions on Belarusian fertilisers, I said I was more than 100% certain that the sanctions would be extended. It is not worth wasting breath or engaging in speculation regarding the transport of fertilisers."

Taminskas said he had not personally encountered any pressure to restore the transit of Belarusian goods through Lithuania.

"I have experienced no pressure and have received no letters," he said. "If others have received letters or felt pressure, they should speak up about what kind of pressure they are facing."

His comments follow remarks by Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, who said there was currently no basis for reviewing EU sanctions on Belarusian potash exports, despite the issue having been discussed with US officials.

Budrys noted that any decision to amend EU sanctions would require the unanimous support of all 27 member states and described discussions without any legal or political change as "a waste of time".

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also stated that there is no justification for lifting sanctions while the reasons for imposing them remain unchanged.

According to a report byRFE/RL, US officials have urged Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine to ease restrictions on Belarusian potash exports and allow their transit through those countries.

Lithuania halted the transit of Belarusian fertilisers in 2022 following human rights violations in Belarus and the blacklisting of fertiliser producer Belaruskali. Although the United States subsequently eased some of its own restrictions, both Lithuania and the European Union have maintained their sanctions regime.

Budrys has previously suggested that Washington has exerted pressure on the issue.