Belarus introduces ban on rail transit of goods from Lithuania

Belarus introduces a ban on the transit of some goods from Lithuania by rail through its territory. This is a response to the actions of the official Vilnius to stop the transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers and their transshipment through the ports of Klaipeda.  Our side considers such unlawful steps as an element of hybrid aggression and direct economic damage to the welfare of its people.  This was stated today in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Since February 1, Lithuania, in violation of all agreements, banned our freight trains to move in the direction of the port of Klaipeda. At the same time, it violated all the agreements on the railway communication and other documents on the transit for the countries, which have no access to the sea, as well as previously approved applications. 

The Belarusian side, being guided by the principles of good neighborliness, has repeatedly offered the Lithuanian side a constructive dialogue, so that the people of Lithuania did not suffer from the actions of the official authorities. But Vilnius refused to negotiate, pursuing the aim to inflict the maximum damage on the Belarusians at the expense of their taxpayers. The Foreign Ministry of Belarus called it caveman savagery. And they emphasized that the Lithuanian government has once again showed itself to the whole world as uncivilized and unreliable as a trade partner, in addition to its other actions.  Belarus, in turn, cannot ignore such an attack, and is forced to retaliate. Thus, a ban is imposed on the rail transit of oil, chemical and mineral fertilizers from Lithuania, loaded at the stations of the Lithuanian Railways.

Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Department of Information and Digital Diplomacy,  spokesman for the Belarusian Foreign Ministry:

About 1.5-1.6 million tons of such cargoes are transported through the territory of the Republic of Belarus, worth more than $1 billion annually. In order to comply with international rules, the Republic of Belarus informs all interested parties 4 days before the entry into force of this decision. This convention ban on the initiative of the Belarusian side will be announced by the Directorate of the CIS Railway Transport Council and will come into force on February 7, 2022.  The direct losses of the port of Klaipeda, Lithuanian Railways and other participants of the Lithuanian supply chain will be counted for a long time, but it is already clear that they run into hundreds of millions of euros. Many millions of euros in losses are expected from the lawsuits that have already been filed against Lithuania, as well as penalties. Belarus reserves the right for further actions of an economic nature, including joint actions with its partners, which may result in the loss of the Lithuanian transit infrastructure. It is a real shame that the Lithuanian Railways staff of many thousands of people, representatives of business and ordinary Lithuanians will incur serious costs. History has shown that Belarus has always been and will be on your side, and the puppet politicians will not be able to sever our cultural, historical and business ties forever. In the current situation, you can count on our understanding, but all complaints must be addressed to the political elite, holding power in Lithuania today.
Belarus remains open to dialogue

At the same time, the Foreign Ministry stresses that the Belarusian side is still open to dialogue with the official Vilnius to address all legal issues for the benefit of ordinary people of both countries. As for the transit of our potash, the Belarusian government has new logistics schemes for redirecting freight traffic to the seaports of our reliable partners, who fulfill their obligations.  And it's not just about the transshipment of potash fertilizers.  By the way, our fertilizers are in high demand on the world market. And we have already found new buyers.  For example, today it has become known that India is thinking about buying a million tons.  If the deal takes place, it will be the first  contract between the two countries after the imposition of Western sanctions. The Belarusian Potash Company may open a rupee account in the Indian State Bank.