Kaliningrad transit faces bottlenecks as Lithuania limits route amid sanctions

In Russia, particularly along routes to the Kaliningrad region, which has no direct land connection to the rest of the country, transit costs have significantly increased following the imposition of Western sanctions.

According to a report by Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, most shipments previously passed through Lithuania, but due to quotas and restrictions, this route has become much less accessible, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

Intelligence data indicate a shift toward maritime transport. In 2019, coastal shipping accounted for 0.4 million tonnes, whereas in 2024, Oboronlogistika alone transported over 2 million tonnes. However, the ferry infrastructure has become overwhelmed, with long queues, limited capacity, and a reduced fleet complicating deliveries.

Small businesses are in the most difficult position, as large operators secure space in advance by leveraging administrative resources, effectively pushing smaller carriers out of the market.

According to the intelligence service, the sanctions not only disrupt logistics but also exacerbate socio-economic imbalances in the region, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.