Lithuania Considers Halting Kaliningrad Transit Amid Heightened Security Concerns

Lithuania Weighs Kaliningrad Transit Suspension

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys announced on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, that Lithuania reserves the right to suspend the transit of Russian goods and passengers to the Kaliningrad exclave if deemed necessary for national security. The statement, made to LRT Radio, underscores Vilnius's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and citizens.

National Security and Border Incidents

The potential suspension of transit comes in the wake of Lithuania's decision to close its border with Belarus. This measure was prompted by a series of incidents involving smuggling balloons carrying contraband, which disrupted flights and led to temporary closures of airports in Lithuania, including Vilnius and Kaunas. Budrys indicated that a halt to transit could occur if evidence emerges of the Kremlin's involvement in what he described as a 'hybrid attack' originating from Belarus. He emphasized that 'No one can limit Lithuania's national security measures or what we decide to do to prevent threats, protect our citizens, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.'

Existing Agreements and EU Coordination

The transit of Russian cargo and passengers to Kaliningrad through Lithuanian territory is currently governed by EU-Russia agreements from 2002 and 2004. These agreements permit the movement of both rail and road traffic. Minister Budrys stressed that any decision to suspend transit would be undertaken in close coordination with EU institutions and member states, highlighting the need for a unified European approach to such a sensitive geopolitical issue.

International Reactions and Historical Context

The prospect of a transit halt has drawn swift reactions. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged Lithuania to refrain from 'provocative' steps and reiterated Moscow's commitment to ensuring the needs of its westernmost region are met 'under any circumstances.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also affirmed that Russia would guarantee uninterrupted communication with Kaliningrad. A Finnish politician, Armand Mema, warned that blocking transit could be perceived as an 'act of war' and a 'dangerous step.'

This is not the first time Kaliningrad transit has faced restrictions. In June 2022, Lithuania implemented EU sanctions that temporarily blocked the rail transit of certain goods to the exclave following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These rail restrictions were later eased in July 2022 after the European Commission issued revised guidelines. Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania, relies significantly on these land corridors for its connection to mainland Russia, making the transit route a critical geopolitical point.