Russia can transit sanctioned goods to Kaliningrad by rail: EU

The EU and the Russian Federation have agreed on the transit of goods to Kaliningrad through Lithuania.

High-ranking sources from the Russian side told Russian media Izvestia, Brussels provided a document that "fully satisfied" Moscow.

Russia may continue the transit of sanctioned goods destined for Kaliningrad through EU territory, a European Commission statement said.


The European Commission only stipulated that the goods not serve a military purpose.

"This guidance confirms that the transit of sanctioned goods by road with Russian operators is not allowed under the EU measures. No such similar prohibition exists for rail transport," the statement said.

The statement on Kaliningrad comes after a row developed as Lithuania sought to enforce sanctions. In response, Russia complained that enforcing the EU's sanctions was tantamount to a blockade of Kaliningrad, that is separate from the rest of the country.