• Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson says Moscow will defend its interests in Kaliningrad.
• Lithuania has banned transit of some goods across its territory to Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave.
• Russian officials claim Lithuania is trying to close off rail and gas pipe links to region.

As individuals panic buy in the Baltic Sea exclave; Vladimir Putin’s spokeswoman insists Moscow will safeguard its interests.

Russia has criticised Lithuania’s prohibition on some commodities transiting through its territory to Kaliningrad; Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson has stated that Moscow will defend its interests.

Panic buying occurred in Kaliningrad; when authorities in the Russian territory believed; Lithuania was prepared to shut down the area’s rail and gas pipeline connections.

Read More: Russia threatens to retaliate as Lithuania bans

Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, ratcheted up tensions on Monday by threatening retaliation for what he called a “illegal move.”

“This decision is truly unprecedented,” he remarked.

It’s a blatant violation of every rule. This is illegal in our opinion.

The situation is really serious… in order to plan our response; we need to conduct a thorough investigation.”
Kaliningrad, which is wedged between Lithuania to the north and east and Poland to the south; is around 800 miles (1,300 kilometres) from Moscow and relies on rail for many of its supply.

Read More: Germany will beef up its military presence in Lithuania