Quotes
This is physical disconnection from the last remaining element of our reliance on the Russian and Belarusian energy system,
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda told The Associated Press in a recent interview
We have a protocol with the Russians on how everything should be disconnected,
Rokas Masiulis, CEO of Litgrid, told reporters on SaturdayWe urge consumers to use electricity wisely, particularly during peak consumption hours in the morning and evening. This helps reduce the load on the grid,
the press service noted
We have taken all measures to ensure the uninterrupted reliable operation of our unified energy system."
Asked about the cut-off last week, he said
People won't feel it, either in terms of their bills or any inconvenience."
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda was sure the switch would go smoothly, telling reportersVarious short-term risks are possible, such as kinetic operations against critical infrastructure, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns,
Lithuania's state security department told AFPI can confirm that Lithuania's electricity exchange lines with Kaliningrad and Belarus were disconnected at 07:43
local time (05:43 GMT), ... Litgrid spokesman Matas Noreika told AFPThe energy system of the Baltic states is finally in our own hands. We are in control,
he added of the "historic" momentWe have been waiting for this moment for a long time,
he told reporters, after speaking with his Estonian and Latvian counterparts._Round_table_Žygimantas_Vaičiūnas_(37167736882)_(cropped).jpg)
We have removed any theoretical possibility of Russia using energy [grid] control as a weapon,
Lithuania's Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas told AFP on SaturdayThe system is stable, the process is happening smoothly, no one is noticing that something changed,
Latvian Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis told Reuters news agency
Everything proceeded as planned and on schedule. We signed a protocol with the Russians outlining the disconnection process. In fact, just minutes before, the Russians themselves contacted us to confirm they were ready."
Quote from MasiulisThey [the Russians – ed.] informed us they were ready and asked if we could carry out the disconnection earlier. We were prepared and completed everything methodically,
Masiulis saidWe are now removing Russia's ability to use the electricity system as a tool of geopolitical blackmail,
Lithuania's Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas told AFP
We need to carry out some tests to assure Europe that we are a stable energy system,
said Rokas Masiulis, head of Litgrid, Lithuania's state-run grid operatorWe've reached the goal we for strived for, for so long. We are now in control,
Lithuanian Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas saidBy ending the energy dependence of the Baltic States on Russia, we are leaving the aggressor without the option of using energy as a weapon against us
Estonian minister for foreign affairs Margus Tsahkna said
The Russians had been threatening our electricity supply for years,
said Ingrida Šimonytė, who served as Lithuania’s prime minister until December and oversaw preparations for the switchover
The power grid operators are confident they have done what is needed to make this work without a problem, even despite some of the Baltic Sea infrastructure challenges,
said Marek Kohv, a former Estonian military official now heading research at the International Centre for Defence and Security in TallinnSince February this year, we’ve observed a different approach from the Russian special services,
said Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center, the government agency tasked with managing emergencies and building resilience