The US has responded to Russia’s threats: we support Lithuania
“We support our NATO allies and we support Lithuania,” said Ned Price, a spokesman for the State Department.
“Specifically, I am talking about our article’s commitment to the fifth NATO, which states that one member has a difference against all. “This commitment from the United States is as strong as iron,” he added.
Russia’s Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev on Tuesday warned Lithuania of the “serious consequences” of banning the transit of part of the goods by rail to the Krasnodar region.
He added that “appropriate measures” were being developed and that “they would be taken in the near future”.
Vilnius assures that it has not imposed unilateral restrictions and emphasizes that they are provided for by EU sanctions imposed on the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. This position was also expressed on Monday evening by Josep Borrell, the head of the Community’s foreign policy.
According to Lithuanian customs, the fourth EU sanctions package adopted on March 15 provides for restrictions on Russian steel and other ferrous metal products.
Vilnius also emphasizes that land transit between Kaliningrad and Russia has not been suspended, and the transportation of both passengers and unauthorized goods is continuing.
Mr Price said the United States welcomed “the unprecedented economic measures taken by Lithuania and other countries against Russia over its war in Ukraine.”
Asked about the Kremlin’s remarks, a spokesman for the State Department said:
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