US pressures Lithuania to resume transit of Belarusian fertilizers

The United States has increased pressure on Lithuania, demanding the resumption of transit of Belarusian fertilizers. According to Delfi, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said this on Thursday while commenting on rumors that appeared in the local press the day before.

“I can say that yes, there is additional activity from the US side on this issue,” the minister said.

Belarus is actively undergoing militarization in support of Russia: more than 500 factories are producing weapons and ammunition, and launch sites for “Oreshnik” missile systems are being built in the country’s forests. The peak period of using Belarusian infrastructure for military pressure on Europe is expected between 2027 and 2029.

At the same time, there is a rapprochement between the US administration and the Lukashenko regime. In March 2026, the United States lifted sanctions on Belarusian companies, including Belaruskali, in exchange for the release of 250 prisoners.

Despite US pressure, Vilnius does not intend to change its position. The minister stressed that Lithuania follows the common EU stance — sanctions against Belarus have been extended until February 2027, and there is currently no sense in discussing their removal.

According to him, it would be speculative to assume whether this could influence the EU’s position when deciding on the extension of sanctions next year.

“Look how much has changed over the past ten months, so I do not know what will happen by next February — perhaps a peace agreement on military actions against Ukraine will be reached, or perhaps all criminals involved in aggression will already be in The Hague,” Budrys said.

The transit issue also has a significant economic dimension, another Lithuanian outlet Lrytas.lt notes. Before sanctions were imposed in 2021–2022, Belarusian fertilizer transshipment in the Port of Klaipėda reached nearly 12 million tons per year, accounting for about one-third of the port’s total cargo turnover. Lithuanian Railways (LTG) received around €60 million annually from this transit.

After sanctions were introduced, total cargo turnover at Klaipėda Port fell by nearly 21%, while Belarusian transit through the port collapsed by 83%. LTG Cargo rail freight volumes more than halved compared to 2020.

Both state-owned companies say they have adapted to the new conditions. Klaipėda Port offset losses through container shipping and LNG cargo, restoring throughput to 39 million tons in 2025, while LTG Cargo shifted toward Western markets.

Sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers were imposed by the Biden administration in 2021 following the falsified presidential election in Belarus. The EU joined them in 2022.

Tags: Belarus, fertilizers