Lithuania doesn't back down regarding Kaliningrad

[FfFfFfFF 58,133]

The economic isolation of Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia is a main topic of discussion in the context of the Ukraine war. Apparently, the EU (Germany) is pressuring Lithuania into lifting the transit restrictions regarding Kaliningrad and Lithuania refuses to back down. In Russia's perspective, Lithuania is unlawfully blocking transport of specific products from one part of Russia to another part of Russia (Lithuania indeed signed a treaty recognizing Russia's right to transit its territory, just like Russia signed at least 4 treaties guranteeing Ukraine's souverignity, in other words international legislation only works sometimes). In Lithuania's perspective, the West should take punitive measures against Russia's unjustifiable actions in Ukraine.

Kaliningrad is vital for Russia because is its westernmost province, and has the very strategic warm water port of Kaliningrad that doesn't freeze in the winter. Some, especially on the pro-Russian side, are pointing to the fact that the 2014 invasion of Ukraine was started in part by Ukraine ending Russia's lease on the strategic warm water port of Sevastopol, so they argue a clear parallel can be made. Russia needs warm waters ports because of its unfortunate geographic and lack of direct routes of acces to world's Oceans, the question is if they are willing to potentially start WW3 for the Suwalki Gap.

 

[CannaeDrive 3,412]

We need more countries like that with resolute politicians doing the right thing.

[Debithius 6,056]

When smaller countries are braver than Germany and France.

[Benji 20,113]

12 minutes ago, Debithius said:

When smaller countries are braver than Germany and France.

I think both are far too worried about how it plays with their populations.  In the U.K. they’ve pretty much been very upfront with “times will be tough but we have to stop Russia/Putin” and we’ve accepted price rises and potential energy/gas rationing soon.  It irks me both won’t throw their weight behind ending this because it means more hardship for countries wanting to bring an end to this quickly.

EDIT: I hate that I actually agree with Boris Johnson on something.  Give me strength. 

[FfFfFfFF 58,133]

21 minutes ago, Benji said:

I think both are far too worried about how it plays with their populations. 

There are many layers to this. For instance I was recently made aware of how France doesn't clash with Russia in Eastern Europe, but in West Africa, where Russia tries to increase its influence in countries such Central African Republic and Mali, which France traditionally sees as its sphere of influence. France doesn't especially care about Eastern Europe, but it does about West Africa, so Macron sees it a resonable trade to let Putin increase his influence ''in his backyard'' and expects Putin to let France do whatever it wants its former colonies.