Source: "European Truth" citing the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT
Direct quote from Masiulis: "Everything went according to plan and schedule. We signed a protocol with the Russians on how everything should be disconnected. I would even say that just a few minutes before this, the Russians contacted us themselves and informed us that they were ready."
Details: He noted that the disconnection occurred earlier than expected, but Lithuania was prepared for it.
"They (the Russians, – ed.) informed us that they were ready and asked if we could do everything sooner. We were ready and executed everything methodically," Masiulis said.
He explained that they first disconnected one line, then another after 10-15 minutes, and after the same interval, they disconnected the third line. Approximately 30 minutes later, Lithuania also disconnected the Belarusian line.
It is anticipated that all the Baltic states will be disconnected from the system in the near future.
Background:
- The agreement on the Baltic energy system with Russia and Belarus (BRELL) officially ended at 23:59 on February 7.
- After the disconnection is complete, testing of the isolated operation of the energy system will begin. This will last until approximately the afternoon of February 9.
- In July 2024, the energy ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania confirmed their intentions to synchronize with the continental European energy system ENTSO-E and disconnect from the Russian system in February 2025.
- Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, along with Russia and Belarus, have been operating within a unified power supply system that is centrally managed from Moscow. Meanwhile, in May 2022, the Baltic countries completely halted electricity imports from the Russian Federation.
- Reports indicated that Lithuania is prepared for potential sabotage during the disconnection from the Russian energy system. Additionally, Estonia and Latvia are also ready for provocations inspired by the Kremlin.