On May 5 (local time), TASS news agency quoted Mr. Andrey Kolesnik, a member of the Defense Committee of the Russian State Duma, as saying that Moscow has the ability to protect and escort its ships in the Baltic Sea in the context that some EU countries are accused of putting pressure on the transportation of goods to the Kaliningrad region.
Kaliningrad is a semi-separate territory of Russia, separated from the main territory and surrounded by countries of the European Union (EU). Due to EU sanctions, the road transport of some types of goods from Russia to Kaliningrad is restricted. Rail transit is still allowed but must comply with certain quotas.
According to TASS, to reduce the risk of goods shortages, Russia has recently increased sea transport through the neutral sea area in the Baltic. Ferry routes from Ust-Luga to Kaliningrad have also been expanded to ensure supply for this region.
Mr. Kolesnik said that some EU countries, including Lithuania, continue to seek to make it difficult to supply essential goods from other regions of Russia to Kaliningrad. He shared that statements from some "unfriendly" countries are becoming more harsh, with mentions of the possibility of completely blockading the Baltic region.
According to the Russian MP, blockading any Russian territory could be considered a serious situation by Moscow according to its military doctrine. He warned that Russia could react not only to blocking transport routes, but also to decision-making centers if deemed necessary.
Mr. Kolesnik added that in case of necessity, Russian ships may be escorted along with the delegation in the Baltic Sea. He also warned that any efforts from hostile countries to arrest Russian ships would face a tough response from Moscow.
However, there is no information about any official decision from the EU regarding the complete blockade of Kaliningrad.
Mr. Kolesnik emphasized that maintaining a freight route to Kaliningrad through the Baltic Sea is an important priority. According to him, the region can self-sufficiently meet part of its needs, including some agricultural products, but Moscow will not accept the scenario of Kaliningrad being blockaded.
Currently, there are about 25 - 28 ships operating on the Baltiysk - Ust-Luga and Kaliningrad - St. Petersburg routes, depending on the schedule. These ships transport many essential goods, including building materials, food, fuel and agricultural machinery in and out of the Kaliningrad area.
