The Baltic states will have a final decision on moving forward with the removal of Russian gauge rail lines through their countries early next year. The EU supports this and will fund a standard gauge rail system. For the EU, the main driver is the ability to quickly move troops and equipment. Currently that advantage belongs to a belligerent Russia. The EU aims to flip the script.
But this also will make Russia’s ability to supply Kaliningrad with anything and everything much more difficult and expensive as it will all have to be done by sea and air. In a conflict with the EU and the Baltic Sea being NATO’s private pool, Kaliningrad would fall quickly I would think.
This also takes away Belarus’ rail transport. It also removes rail link from China to the EU.
So, how does the Russian mind interpret such a move? I would say, we can only imagine but we don’t have to, do we. No, we don’t. This is obviously a clear and totally unwarranted act of aggression against the Russian citizens of Kaliningrad, innit? Totally unwarranted.
Oh Vladdie, Vladdie what have you done?