Alikhanov estimated the damage from transit restrictions to Kaliningrad at 2 billion rubles. in year

Governor of the Kaliningrad region Anton Alikhanov said that the damage from restrictions on land transit to the Kaliningrad region through Lithuania amounts to about 2 billion rubles. in year.

“You can count all this in different ways. One of the components of this possible damage that can be claimed is the amount of subsidies that the federal budget pays to make shipping rates more affordable for us. This year it is almost 2 billion rubles. This is one of the components,” said the head of the region “RIA News”. According to the governor, this amount does not include losses and expenses incurred by local freight companies involved in servicing the transit.

The official added that the Kaliningrad authorities have now transferred all calculations to the Ministry of Economy, which is considering the possibility of filing an official claim against Lithuania through the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, Mr. Alikhanov believes that the chances of satisfying the Russian Federation’s claim are minimal.

Since June 18, 2022, Lithuania has banned the transportation of Russian goods subject to EU sanctions through its territory to the Kaliningrad region. The restrictions apply to road transport, but do not affect railways. Anton Alikhanov said that 40% to 50% of all supplies are limited. We are talking, in particular, about building materials, wood, metal, cement, caviar and alcohol. The Kremlin called the decision “unprecedented” and “an element of the blockade.”

In November 2023, the Lithuanian authorities decided tighten the transit of freight transport on the Russian border.

Alexander Kislov