Lithuanian banks are waiting for clarifications on payments for Kaliningrad transit

Lithuanian banks are waiting for clarification from the authorities of the republic regarding the Kaliningrad transit – credit organizations are afraid to service payments on it because of the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. About it informed Interfax with reference to the Lithuanian Association of Banks.

Organizations need clarification on whether exceptions to the sanctions regime regarding transit are possible. According to the association, such a regime is acceptable if the provision of transportation is the need of Lithuania.

“In order for a financial institution to consider applying for an exemption specifically related to satisfying a government need, this need must be confirmed in writing by the responsible government agency,” the association said in a statement.

According to the organization, the majority of Lithuanian banks, due to the risk of violating sanctions, are already refusing operations related to Russia and Belarus. Individual exceptions are possible only in relation to payments related to humanitarian assistance, such as pensions, medical supplies, as well as the implementation of international agreements.

On July 28, it became known that the Bank of Lithuania, serving the transit of goods to the Kaliningrad region, from September 1 refuses from working with Russia. The governor of the Kaliningrad region, Anton Alikhanov, said that a discussion is underway to solve this problem. On the same day, Russian Charge d’Affaires in Lithuania Sergei Ryabokon handed over a note to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry due to the possible suspension of payments for transit to Kaliningrad through Siauliai Bank.

On August 3, TASS, citing the words of the head of the Ministry of Communications and Transport of the Republic, Marius Skuodis informedthat the Kaliningrad railway transit may be stopped due to difficulties in paying for the transportation of Russian goods.

In mid-June, due to EU sanctions, Lithuania had already suspended the transit of some cargo to the Kaliningrad region from the rest of Russia. The country also stopped letting Russian trucks with goods through. According to the authorities of Kaliningrad, about 50% of transit came under restrictions. On July 8, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the European Commission and Lithuania are obliged to solve the problem with the blockade of Kaliningrad, otherwise tough measures will be taken against the republic. Transit between Russia and the Kaliningrad region was restored July 22, however, some restrictions remain.