Vilnius’ approach to Minsk — including Lithuania’s border closures — is misguided, argued Belarusian lawmaker Vadzim Hihin. As an example, he pointed to what he described as financial losses at the Port of Klaipeda after sanctions were imposed on Belaruskali, which had long been one of the port’s major clients.
“They essentially shut down their own Port of Klaipeda by refusing to handle our potash fertilizers. In effect, Lithuania is turning itself into nothing more than a corridor between Latvia, Estonia and the rest of Europe,” Vadzim Hihin concluded on the “Budni” talk show on Alfa Radio and SBTV on November 5, 2025.
The same point was raised on the November 13 edition of the program by Alexander Shpakouski, a member of Belarus’ House of Representatives: “Lithuania is taking losses greater than ours from the current situation. … The press reports that the Americans are supposedly urging the Lithuanians to restore the transit of Belarusian cargo through the Port of Klaipeda, which would bring Lithuania revenue from transit, load its railways, and keep the Klaipeda terminal running — a terminal that has been cutting staff for several years. Who stands to benefit most from this? Of course, Lithuania.”
A year earlier, CTV also forecast the collapse of the Port of Klaipeda: “America’s satellites are taking losses every single day. And it’s not just about their shrinking clout on the global stage, but about real financial setbacks. A vivid example is Lithuania and its Port of Klaipeda. Right now, it’s in a dire state,” newscaster Volha Sharstniova said on August 18, 2024.
Because of the sanctions on Belarusian potash shipments, the Port of Klaipeda did lose one-fifth of its cargo turnover, but that did not bring its operations to a halt. In 2024, the port increased its cargo flow by 8% and captured 40% of the market among Baltic ports. In 2025, its cargo volume rose by another 10%. Belarusian potash was replaced with container traffic and ferry transport. In 2024, the port earned €25 million in net profit, although that is €5 million less than before sanctions against Belarus were introduced.