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Attack from the East

Attack from the East

Marius Laurinavičius

LITHUANIAN RAILWAYS: ATTACK FROM THE EAST

How the Kremlin carries out geopolitical expansion under the guise of businessmen in the Baltic States

Vilnius institute for policy analysis institute for policy analysis

© 2019 Vilnius institute for policy analysis www.vilniusinstitute.lt | [email protected]

Layout by: Goda Liutkutė. : Attack from the East

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Russia’s strategic thinking, strategic goals and 3 the strategy itself in the sector

What led to the decisions of the former Lithuanian 5 Railways management?

Influence Networks of the Kremlin 6

Network - for influence, shelter and mediation? 10

Threat map: from corruption and mafia to influencing 11 national politics

Expansion is gaining momentum 15

Are they really looking for competition? 16

Is ready for threats? 17

Conclusions 19

Recommendations 20

Sources 21 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Introduction

Information, energy and hybrid warfare by the economy and institutions of influenced Vladimir Putin’s regime has long been at countries become so affected that the the heart of the whole Western world. It institutions themselves – anti-corruption has also long been not a mystery that the services, ministries­ of interior, prosecutors Kremlin is not only interfering in elections whose task is to fight against corruption in various ways in the world, or in trying and monopoly activity – are becoming to influence the policies of different states1, “completely derailed”. This ­allows ’s but also ­trying to transform its economic influence to reach a level where the infected ­influence into geopolitical expansion. Various democracy can no ­longer resist. And this researchers have long noticed the strategic makes it possible for the Kremlin to take nature of this influence. Since V. Putin came over the government as well”4. to power, “geo-economics has become an important part of Russia’s geostrategism”2 . In an article published later the authors of this study stated that they considered one In 2016, the renowned US analytical of the most important means of opposing institution Center for Strategic and such influence: the ability to recognize the International Studies published a special prerequisites for this potential hostility, study on Russia’s influence on Eastern and revealing the links between different Central Europe tools and methods “Kremlin companies with Russia: “EU governments Methods: Understanding Russia’s Influence need to develop practices to disclose the on Central and Eastern Europe”. The beneficiaries of off-shore companies, enhance authors of the study make an unequivocal transparency, and thus the perception of any conclusion: Russian influence”5.

“In its opaque network of patronage in In March 2019, the follow-up to the the region, the Kremlin has developed a aforementioned study “The Kremlin model of hostile economic influence in ­Methods ­2. Assistants”6 was published, Europe that influences and even directly focusing on the phenomenon of so-called affects decision-making.”3 “assistants” - individuals or institutions in the West, helping Russia to spread its hostile influence. Even then, the authors of the study dramatically warned of the dangers for The authors of this second study state: democratic states that ignore this hostile “From 2016 on, there is a clear “political economic influence of Russia: “over the time, sight” of national security threats posed by

1 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

hostile economic influence of Russia. The The author fully agrees with the findings of Transatlantic Community has taken some the American colleagues, so the aim of this steps to counter this threat - the US adopted work is to partially extend the work of the the Act on Countering America’s Adversaries above mentioned US researchers, focusing Through Sanctions in 2017, the European on the Lithuanian situation not scrutinized Union has strengthened its anti-money in their studies and to look more closely at laundering rules. However, “The Kremlin one strategic sector of our economy – railway Methods 2” shows how much more work is transport, to investigate the spread of possible left. Western democracies have to admit that Kremlin influence in it, networks, by which they contribute to Russia’s hostile economic this influence is spread, the resulting threats influence, and have to take measures to and possible goals. root out this influence from their financial systems.”7

2 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Russia’s strategic thinking, strategic goals and the strategy itself in the rail transport sector

Representatives of Putin regime have already defines transport communication as one revealed the fact that transport is not only a of the priority objectives”11. branch of the economy, but also an important mean of realizing foreign policy goals. In 2012, a special study on the role of railway Therefore, Vladimir Yakunin, a very influential transport and the 1520 millimetre gauge in representative of the Kremlin regime, former implementation of Russian geopolitical goals head of the who is now and first of all the integration of the so-called mainly engaged in the diversification of Eurasian Economic Space was written by Russia’s influence in the West8, is a member Katri Pynnoniemi, then representative of the of the board of custodians of “Russkij Mir”9 Finnish Institute of International Relations, and a leader or member of the management and now expert of Russian security policy at of other organizations with similar goals. In the University of . addition, he has even written a book titled “Transport Politics. The political dimension In this study, the expert recalls that Russian of transport development” about strategic President Putin himself has publicly influence over transport. recognized the role of railways in preserving the geo-economic influence of the Kremlin Yakunin has always dealt with the role in the region after the collapse of the Soviet of transport in the context of Russian Union. geopolitical goals10, but goes further in his book, arguing openly that, when examining “After the collapse of the , the the role of transport, one should not forget railways helped to maintain the unity of about the possible war component: “One economies that could not operate without particular sector can be distinguished specific links. The single energy network and among many sectors of the economy, the rail network have played an important which occupies an important place in the role both then and today in facilitating the system of goals and measures, realizing the difficulties of the division of the common national interests of the state in the field economic area,” – Russian leader explained of both internal politics and foreign policy, in 2011, in a special forum “Strategic throughout whole social-political process. Partnership 1520” to sustain and expand this This is transport. [...] It is no coincidence geopolitical influence of Russia over the 1520 that the highest tension policy - war - millimetre gauge12.

3 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

By the way, in 2006, at the forum “Strategic of the Russian Federation”16. The Russian Partnership 1520”, founded by V. Yakunin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs unofficially Russia from the beginning invited not only attempted to deny17 that this document, the representatives of Eurasian Economic known as the “economic conquest plan” in Union (then Eurasian Economic Community the Baltic States, could have been prepared by - M.L), but also Baltic railways and other the Ministry. However, even a few years later, transport companies. In the context of analysts at the Carnegie Center in Moscow, Russian threats, this should also be seen closely linked to the Kremlin, are pointing from the perspective of retaining geopolitical to it18. And this proves that the document influence. As K. Pynnoniemi observes in her really existed. study, international transport corridors, in Russia’s strategic thinking, ensure But the most important thing is what is the influence of states on the territories laid out in that document. First of all, it is through which they go, and therefore the proposed to “seek to exploit the territory Kremlin is a part of the geopolitical and and transport infrastructure for transit of geo-economic struggle13. goods to the EU” in the Baltic States19. It is also recommended to “broaden Russia’s The activity of this forum in direction of the economic participation, given that the Baltic States is also reflected in the fact that attractiveness of investment [in these already in February 2008 the participants of countries] to the EU countries has dropped the “Strategic Partnership 1520” gathered in significantly and their national wealth has Riga14, and in February 2010 the participants decreased. And the recommendations end of the “Strategic Partnership 1520” came with a proposal to “consider the acquisition to Tallinn15. This forum was not held in of real sector companies in the fields of Lithuania, but the leaders of the Lithuanian energy, information technology, logistics Railways and other people related to this and transport”. branch of industry have been involved in the work of the forum from the very beginning. It is precisely in the context of the document of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs The entire Kremlin’s thinking and aspiration prepared in 2010 and in the whole strategic to implement the strategy itself is confirmed thinking of the Kremlin that is necessary to and elaborated by a document for official use analyse the facts of the present day that allow and leaked for public, issued by the Russian us to conclude about the expected strategic Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2010 expansion of Russia into the Lithuanian “Effective Use of Systemic Factors of Foreign railway sector. Policy for the Long-term Development

4 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

The contribution of V. Yakunin to the development of Russia’s influence in the Baltic States is also reflected in the attempt by the representative of the Kremlin’s regime to finance the election campaign of the Center Party, led by Mayor of Tallinn Edgar Savisaar, revealed by Estonian Security Police (KAPO)20. E. Savisaar himself was publicly named as the Russian influence agent by KAPO21. Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

What led to the decisions of the former Lithuanian Railways management?

Although Russian plans for geopolitical of the of the Republic of Lithuania ­expansion in the Baltic States exploiting state: “AB Lietuvos Geležinkeliai, as well as the transport infrastructure, leaked to the the Ministry of Transport and Communi- public in 2010, resonated in our country, but cations of the Republic of Lithuania, whose without a few episodes in public22, this prob- area of management includes this company of lem has not been on the Lithuanian national strategic importance for national security, did security agenda for many years. not ensure that the KLUB-U system was evaluated in terms of national security until In June 2018, the conclusions of the Par- September 2017. It should be emphasized, liamentary Research on the Possible Illegal in particular, that the potential threat to Influence of Persons, Business Entities and the national security interests of the opera­ Other Interest Groups on Public Autho­rities tion of the system KLUB-U has not been in Decision-Making and Possible Illegal assessed neither after Russian aggression Influence on Political Processes, approved in Georgia in 2008 nor after Russia started by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, aggression in in 2014. It should state that “In 2006 Lithuanian Intelligence be noted that the functional capabilities of ­provided information expressing concern the system KLUB-U were not evaluated in over the absolute dominance of Russian time from the point of view of the Republic capital companies in the field of technical of Lithuania Law on Mobilization of the maintenance and repair services provided Republic of Lithuania and Host Country by AB Lietuvos Geležinkeliai”23, but Sta- Support”. sys Dailydka, who was the head of Lietu- vos Geležinkeliai from 2006, and all of the Just before the resignation of former company’s management at that time seemed Lithua­nian Railways Manager S. Dai­lydka, not to respond to such comments. As men- at the end of November 2016, a 15min. tioned above, S. Dailydka and ­other leaders lt investigation was published on how of Lithuanian Railways actively partici­pated company’s millions travel to the Russian in the activities of the Forum “Strategic Part- company without any nership 1520”. tenders25.

Particularly noteworthy is the introduction In this context, it is important to note that of the system KLUB-U in Lithuanian loco- Transmashholding is not only related to the motives24. The same conclusions of the par- Russian military industry26, but for many liamentary investigation conducted by the years it has been closely linked to the Russian­ National Security and Defense Committee Railways itself: formerly, Russian Railways

5 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

had 25 percent of Transmashholding shares, empire, that benefits at the expense of Rus- and Transmashholding itself receives most of sian Railways29. the orders from Russian Railways27. Trans- mashholding shareholders also developed Surprisingly the positions of V. Yakunin30 their own rail transport business with Rus- and the former management of the Lithu- sian Railways through their other compa- anian Railways, which has been repeatedly nies28 . criticized for the demolition of the Rail Bal- tica project31, and Ugis Magonis32, the former It is even claimed in Russia that former Rus- head of the , who is even sian Railways leader Yakunin is not only a family-related to V. Yakunin33, has coincided friend of Iskander Makhmudov, one of the on this project of strategic importance for most important Transmashholding owners, the Baltic States. but has also helped him to build a business Influence Networks of the Kremlin

Perhaps it would be a coincidence that after­ It could be assumed that only by chance leaving Lithuanian Railways and Latvian RŽD Logistika, a subsidiary of Russian Rail- Railways, respectively, Mr. Dailydka and Mr. ways, is one of the main founders of Euro Magonis were employed in related compa- Rail Trans38. However, the above-mentioned nies. U. Magonis, despite the ongoing EUR strategy of Russian geopolitical expansion 500,000 corruption case, for which he was through the transport sector, with the Rus- forced to leave the office of the head of the sian Railways and Transmashholding, and Latvian Railways34, was employed by the the chain of overlaps between the people Latvian company Euro Rail Trans35 in April connected with each other make us recall 2017. Mr. Dailydka, head of the Lithuanian the words of Estonian foreign intelligence Railways, was forced to withdraw due to manager Mikko Marran. various scandals, including those related to Russia, and was employed by Lithuanian “We (Estonian Intelligence) have identified company LGC Cargo, established in 2017. a network of politicians, journalists, Although LGC Cargo initially seemed to diplomats, business people who are really be related only to Transmashholding36, it Russian influential agents, and who do turned out to have links with Euro Rail what is told,” Marran explained in 2018 Trans. The majority stake in LGC Cargo about Moscow’s efforts in the West. “We is owned by the Latvian company Baltijas clearly see that these people are pushing 39 tranzita serviss, which is a joint venture of Russian plans.” Commercial Port and Euro Rail Trans37.

6 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Figure 1. Kleptocracy Map.

The persons in this network were not named In this network, apart from U. Magonis by the Estonian intelligence manager. How- and his wife, who is a niece of ­V. Yakun- ever, in terms of Russia’s influence over the in, S.­­ Dailydka, his former deputy Stasys rail and transport sectors in general, there Gudvalis, who has been suspected of abuse is a network of individuals through which by Lithuanian law enforcement41, and key such influence can be made. figures of Transmashholding, the most important actors are two major Latvian First of all, we have already mentioned that oligarchs called Ainars Slesers and Andris Transmashholding and Russian Railways are Skele, and Ivars Sormulis, associated with closely related. the third most influential Latvian oligarch Aivars Lembergs42 . The Lithuanian rail transport network was probably best revealed by the LRT Research The same A. Slesers, A. Skele and I. Sor- Division in cooperation with Russian jour- mulis (via Locomotive Traction Operator) nalist from munscanner.com Mikhail Maglov with Russian Railways (through subsidiar- who lives in Lithuania40. ies RZDL Multimodal and RZD Logis-

7 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

tics) have a number of direct links - they nor its related Estonian company Spacecom all manage together not only Euro Rail itself wanted to buy 66 percent of shares of Trans43, ­already mentioned , but also Euro privatized Estonian Railways. Mr Filatov Rail ­Cargo44 (formerly Liepaja Oil Transit45). had even supposedly pressed Mr Bukhard to sell these shares to the government. Interestingly enough, Mr Slesers himself stated that they had acquired Liepajas nafta By the way, SeverstalTrans, among others,­ tranzits with A. Skele from Maksim Lik- was previously closely associated with sutov46. The present Vice Mayor of Mos- Igor Levitin, the former Russian Minister­ cow, who was born in and once of Transport at the time when struggle ­considered its entrepreneur, was the share- ­between the Estonian government and Bal- holder of the same Transmashholding47 and tic Railway Services took part, and now Mr business partner of I. Machmudov and An- Putin’s assistant53. drei Bokarev, the main owners of this com- pany as well as other businesses48. In Bukhard’s opinion, Filatov’s desire for Baltic Railway Services to be re-privatized It is worth noting that the same M. Liksutov, by the Estonian government was based on who at that time was considered an Estonian the belief that the company would be subsi- entrepreneur, was ready to buy 66 percent of dized with taxpayers’ money and Spacecom privatized shares of Estonian Railways from would be able to benefit from lower rates. the American company Baltic Railway Ser- By the way, the Estonian security ­police vices in 200649. By the way, this privatiza- KAPO even detained Spacecom’s head tion of Estonian Railways was destroyed by Oleg Osinovsky in 2005, accusing him of the hand of already mentioned E. Savisaar50, proposing illegal transactions to Estonian which was later publicly ­announced by the Railways, in the midst of a fight by the Estonian security police as a Russian influ- ­Estonian ­government (E. Savisaar) and Bal- ence agent. By the way, the former head of tic Railway Services54. Baltic Railway Services Edward Burkhardt in 2006 and 2007 openly accused Russia of In this context, it is also important that, destroying his company51, but he mentioned ­although A. Filatov is not affiliated with as the main culprit not Russian Railways or Russian Railways and Transmashholding at Transmashholding but SeverstalTrans and the first glance, he is a long-time business its CEO Andrei Filatov52. partner of another oligarch G. Timchenko, who is close to Yakunin55. The close rela- According to Mr Burkhardt, he was not tionship between Mr Yakunin and Mr Tim- surprised that, by destroying his company, chenko is also confirmed by the fact that his E. Savisaar and A. Filatov worked hand in son, Viktor, has been working for “Gunvor” hand. The Baltic Railway ServicesManager ­ co-owned by G. Timchenko since 2004. was surprised that neither SeverstalTrans

8 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

In addition, the owners of Transmash­ Russian ­Railways and Latvian companies, holding in 2012, Machmudov and Bokarev, among which these weaving their ties to the became business partners of G. Timchenko Lithuanian market. and A. Filatov in Transoil. Meanwhile, the close relationship of another company in In 2008, Transgroup Invest, which at that which A. Filatov is one of the major share- time cooperated very closely with Russian holders - GlobalTrans’s - with Russian Rail- Railways and was essentially part of Trans- ways is illustrated by the fact that the long- mashholding, bought the Latvian company time member of GlobalTrans management L-Ekspresis, which carries passengers on and shareholder Sergei Malcev is appointed the routes Riga – Moscow and Riga – ­St. senior vice president of Russian Railways at Petersburg62. Alexander Berezin, the head of the end of 201556. And in the summer of the Riga Electric Machine Factory, which 2017, he returns to GlobalTrans57 as if he was bought by Transmashholding in 2006, had been “temporarily posted” to Russian was appointed as its manager63. Railways. The close links between Russian Railways and GlobalTrans are not limited In 2012, the aforementioned Euro Rail to what is listed above, but also show a closer Trans was founded by the owners of RŽD look at the orders of Russian Railways itself, Logistika and L-Ekspresis. Mr Berezin which shows that this state-owned Russian ­became the head of Euro Rail Trans64. Now, company is also profitable for GlobalTrans58. the ownership structure of Euro Rail Trans has changed, but Berezin remains represen- In addition, the current chairman of the tative of Transmashholding65. Council of Euro Rail Trans, the most ­important company in the context of Therefore, Russian Railways, Transmash- ­Russia’s geopolitical expansion to Lithu- holding, M. Liksutov and its associated ania59, Vyacheslav Valentik came to RŽD Transgroup Invest, A. Filatov, his business Logistics as the head from GlobalTrans partners at GlobalTrans and his partner in owned companies, where he also was in Estonia O. Osinovsky, as well as partners in leading positions60. – the oligarchs A. Slesers, A. Skele and A. Lembergs (or his representative, Mr In Latvia and Estonia, this network is well Sormula) can be attributed to the same net- reflected by relationships among the Es- work of interconnected persons from Lithu- tonian company Transgroup Invest, relat- ania, Latvia and Estonia, through which the ed to M. Liksutov, current Vice Mayor of Kremlin can implement its strategic geopo- Moscow, (this influential Russian officer is litical expansion plans through the railway currently a member of its board of direc- and the entire transport sector. tors61), Russian company Transmashholding,

9 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Network - for influence, shelter and mediation?

The whole network can be compared to the Mr Osinovsky does not deny that he energy sector, which was perhaps the first ­handed over EUR 499 500 to Mr Magonis. foreign weapon of Russian foreign policy How­ever, according to O. Osinovsky, he did acknowledged in the West66, and is consid- not do anything illegal because he did not ered to be sufficiently investigated model give any bribes, but simply bought a service of illegal influence67 tested by the Kremlin from U. Magonis to represent his interests companies-mediators68 . in negotiations with Russian Railways. In addition, O. Osinovsky argued that, in the In 2011, the representative of the US Uni- context of this transaction, Mr Magonis was versity of Miami, Maria Semykoz, high- acting not as a public official but as a private lighted three key functions of this model person simply having links with Russian and the companies operating in it, applied Railways. And he paid U. Magonis with his by the Kremlin companies-mediators in en- personal funds. So everything was done un- ergy sector: der Estonian law70.

• These companies can serve as a kind of It turns out that O. Osinovsky owns a Dau- “buffer” to overcome political risks related gavpils locomotive repair factory. In the to cross-border economic relations; summer of 2014, Russian railways produc- • Companies-mediators can act as a tool for tion orders in had been cancelled, Russian foreign policy giving corrupt local so it was necessary to immediately agree elite members personal enrichment oppor- with Russian Railways on their renewal. “It tunities, and at the same time linking their was the order of about EUR 20 million. We personal interests with those of the Russian didn’t know how to solve this problem. I government; had no such connections. Then I asked for • They can be used as an instrument for the help from my good friend, Ugis Magonis. illicit enrichment of influential Russian He had influential relations with the then elite, including the government and rep- Russian railways administration. He agreed. resentatives of criminal groups69. Obviously, you have to pay for the job. It was a really great job,” O. Osinovsky explained71. The scope of the Russian-wide network and the geo-economic and geopolitical influ- Whether without money for U. Magonis, it ence of Russia is very diverse. One of them would have been necessary for the Russian was revealed by O. Osinovsky, who had out- Railways to pay some political price for the lined his version on already mentioned EUR renewal of the contracts, even if everything 500,000 bribe file. were as explained by O. Osinovsky, this

10 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

­entrepreneur did not disclose. However, the or another transaction is being conducted same EUR 500,000 bribe case shows how by Russian companies. In this way, Latvi- not only just Putin’s regime, but also the an transport entrepreneurs are ­struggling Russian Railways, are able to link business in Lithuania, and Railvec, a company re- and politics, or even the law. As soon as U. lated to Transmashholding, registered in Magonis was arrested, the Russian side took Lithuania, is trying to sell trams manufac- costly “rail repair”72 and other similar black- tured by one of Transmashholding’s plants mail and pressure measures to Latvia73. to Latvia75. By the way, Russian companies are even targeting­ EU funding because By the way, the recordings of the famous the above-mentioned attempt to sell Rus- so-called “oligarchs scandal in Latvia” show sian trams to Latvia is also linked to an that U. Magonis, who is closely associated EU-funded project76. with the leadership of Russian Railways, ­appeared on the Latvian Railways as a pro- Moreover, O. Osinovsky, an Estonian entre- tege of A. Slesers. And Slesers discusses his preneur with close ties to Russia, is an im- career prospects with the same Lembergs portant participant in this network, through representative, Mr Sormul, and states that his acquaintances with in the Latvian policy Mr Magonis will follow the instructions Olympus, even attempted to get a contract ­because he is a “warrior, so to speak, a navy”74. for the maintenance of the British armoured vehicles purchased by the Latvian army, but Other examples may indicate that the net- the deal was blocked by the Latvian special work is also used to conceal the fact that one service77. Threat map: from corruption and mafia to influencing national politics

1. Suspected corruption decreases, Moscow seems to think it is more profitable to focus on the transport sector.

In 2014, Emmet Tuohy, an analyst at the Analysts have repeatedly argued that Inter­national Defence and Security Cen- ­corruption has long become a strategic tre in Tallinn, concludes in his article on branch of Russian exports79. Moreover, the the scandals of corruption, as a reflection Kremlin turns corruption into a weapon of Russia’s influence in the Baltic States78, and uses it as part of a hybrid war ­against that, when the energy role as the Kremlin’s the West80. Therefore, the above-mentioned foreign policy weapon in the Baltic States network extending from Russia through the

11 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Baltic States must also be assessed in­ ­­­this ­corruption scandals85. As mentioned above, aspect. S. Dailydka was forced to resign from the position of the head of Lithuanian Railways It is not worth repeating about corruption due to non-transparent transactions, while and absolutely prevailing corrupt business Lithuanian law enforcement did not suspect practices in Russia itself. It is enough to abuse. ­recall that, according to data from 2018, Russia is ranked 138th out of 180 countries 2. Possible money in the Transparency International Corrup- laundering tion Perception Index81 (Estonia - 18, Lith- uania - 38, Latvia - 41, respectively82). Russian business, its oligarchs, and even However, the above-mentioned network those associated with the top leadership extending from Russia through the Baltic of the country are increasingly accused of States shows how sensitive to corruption, ­money laundering86. The world-widescandal ­ and at the same time to the strategic influ- over suspicions of massive Russian money ence of the Kremlin through corruption, is laundering through Danske Bank’s Estonian this economy branch in the Baltic States83. branch87 also led to somewhat lower noise due to suspicious transfers via Swedbank. What threat it possesses to national secu- One of the main owners of Transmashhold- rity is best reflected in the decision of the ing, Iskander Makhmudov, is suspected of Estonian Internal Security Service KAPO being involved in money laundering in this to investigate separately and widely the cor- story88. ruption cases specifically encountered by rail transport in general and Russian Railways Earlier in 2016, the world-famous ­fighter in the 2018 report on Threats to National against the Russian regime’s crimes and Security in Estonia84. It emphasizes that the the initiator of the “Magnitsky Act” and Kremlin is trying to export corrupt business ­“Magnitsky’s Law” in various countries, in- practices to Estonia, and the transit business cluding Lithuania89, Bill Browder raised a in general and railways are among the most possible case of money laundering by the important targets. It is also stressed that mentioned Moscow Vice Mayor and Trans- corruption does not help to increase transit group90. volumes but threatens national security. The special report drawn up by the EU-Rus- In the case of people on the network con- sia Civil Society Forum Expert Group cerned, it is not enough to recall the EUR on Combating Corruption identifies the 500,000 corruption scandal that U. Ma­ threats posed by businesses related to Mr gonis and O. Osinovsky took on. All three Makhmudov, Mr Bokarev, Mr Yakunin and oligarchs in Latvia were caught up in Mr Liksutov91.

12 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Moreover, in 2009, the shadow of sucions had declared war on the company95. Then it of possible money laundering also fell on turned out that this American had to face one of the representatives of the network not only political or economic pressure, but in Latvia, who is under consideration in the also the real threat of the Russian mafia. The study, U. Magonis, former Head of Latvian businessman’s wife had to leave Estonia fear- Railways92. ing the possible consequences96. The entre- preneur does not disclose the interests of the 3. Suspicious relations Russian mafia group, but it is believed that with the mafia this was related to his position as the head of Estonian Railways.

The aforementioned I. Makhmudov is 4. Carousel of Attempts to ­directly mentioned in connection with two Affect Policy Russian criminal groups in several ­criminal cases investigated in the West. TheSpanish ­ prosecutors included his name in the indict­ The people mentioned in this study or ment in the case of the activities of the their partners are involved in attempts to Russian Mafia in Spain and its relations ­influence the policies of different countries. with high Russian officials and influential GlobalTrans is the most famous example of ­businessmen93. such attempts worldwide.

Former Makhmudov’s business partner Ja- One of the owners of this company, lol Khaidarov has testified to law enforce- ­Konstantin Nikolayev, was also a financial ment in Israel, Germany and Spain that supporter of the Russian spy Marija Butina­ both Makhmudov and his business part- detained in the United States97. In ­addition, ner A. Bokarev, are linked to the “Izmailov” it has been found that he has contacts ­criminal group94. with the Russian intelligence and military-­ industrial complex. The fact that the crime factor can become an important factor in Russia’s strategic We have mentioned that at the time the ­expansion through the railways of the Bal- head of the Russian Railways V. Yakunin tic States, was also experienced by one of was ­trying to finance the election campaign the Americans involved in the privatization of E. Savisaar; this event in Estonia both of Estonian Railways. As mentioned above, at that time and now is considered one of this privatization was destroyed by the hands the most striking examples of the hostile of Russia and its interests in Estonia. ­influence of the Kremlin98.

Christopher Aadnesen was directing Esto- Subsequently there was a try to grant nian Railways at a time when members of ­Estonian cirizenship to one of Global- the government defending Russia’s interests Trans’s owners, A. Filatov; this resulted in

13 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

the so-called­ “citizenship for money” scandal. During the above-mentioned Latvian It turned out that A. Filatov was not only a oligarch scandal, a number of cases were major investor of the country’s economy, as it discovered when Mr Slesers, Mr Skele was publicly announced; he has also ­invested and Mr Lembergs make direct, often not in the Russian disinformation campaign very legitimate influence on the country’s against Estonia. Specifically, he contri­buted ­politics. There was even talk of “state cap- to one propaganda film against Estonian ture” ­attempts105. But perhaps the most elo- history . Among the supporters of gran­ quent quote is the quote from one of these ting citizenship to A. Filatov were not only oligarchs: “Inguna Sudraba must become the “Russian influential agent” E. Savisaar, prime minister because Moscow thinks which together with this Russian entrepre- she would be a good candidate.”106 neur fought against American investors in the Estonian Railways company, but also the A. Slesers’ and A. Skele’s business relations representatives of Estonian transport sector, with V. Yakunin and Russian Railways in linked to Russia in one way or another100 . aforementioned research of the US Center for Strategic and International Studies “The In addition, Yevgeny, son of O. Osinovsky, Kremlin Methods: Understanding Russia’s an Estonian oligarch, who is involved in Influence on Central and Eastern Europe” the Russian transport business and belongs are separately distinguished as an example to the network, is head of the Estonian of implementation of the Kremlin strategies Social Democratic Party, and it was even that are not limited to only economic inter- suspected that this office was essentially ests in Latvia107. bought for money from business with Rus- sia101. It has been repeatedly suspected that Moreover, Mr V. Yakunin, who is subject Y. Osinovsky’s political decisions are deter- to US sanctions following the annexation mined by his father’s business interests102. of Crimea and Russian aggression in Don- bass, is not included in the European Union In the election of the head of the Estonian sanctions list precisely because of Latvia’s EVR Cargo, the Estonian objections108. Internal Security Service KAPO was forced to publicly warn the country’s leaders about In 2007, the idea to push forward Ser- very close links between the candidates and gei Glinka, M. Liksutov’s business part- the local businessmen103. It is true, however, ner, related­ to Russian expansion in the that these local entrepreneurs, in turn, have Baltic States through the rail transport, to had very close ties with Russia. Among them the post of president in Moldova was also was O. Osinovsky, who, incidentally,­ has ­considered109 . been actively calling for the privatization of EVR Cargo over the past few years104.

14 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

5. Element of Military In an article published in 2018, not only political or corrupt, but also military threats, Threats related to Baltic rail infrastructure and its dependence on Russian railways was well When considering the possible develop- revealed by Adamas Maiselis and Laurynas ment of Russia’s influence over the railways, Keturakis, who also identify the rail trans- ­military threats must not be forgotten. Espe- port infrastructure in the region as one of cially at this time, when Russia is becoming the most vulnerable parts of NATO’s eastern increasingly aggressive and is preparing for wing112. a large-scale military conflict with the West, as both the Estonian intelligence110 and the analysts of the FOI Centre of the Swedish Ministry of Defence111 admit. Expansion is gaining momentum

Lithuanian company LGC Cargo ­associated logistics company from Latvia and had no with Russian Railways and their part- business in Russia”. “We’ve seen the whole ners in Latvia, as mentioned above, is also of this “advertising campaign” that took ­considered to be part of the Russian expan- place in Lithuania. [...] We do not have any sion to the Baltic States via the rail network business in Russia, we do not sell anything analysed in this study. there. [...] One shouldn’t be surprised if we import Russian coal, fertilizers or oth- This company started a very aggressive phase er goods, but we also carry them from the of expansion in Lithuania. LGC Cargo and West”, he explained. As far as reality is con- the Lithuanian Association of Private Rail- cerned, one can judge from the above facts. way Companies (LPGĮA), which promotes the company, have not only appealed against O. Osinovsky’s company Skinest Rail, inva­ Lithuania to the European Commission for d­ing from Estonia and related to the same the alleged violations of competition113, but Russian network, is also trying to defend have also blackmailed that the “” expansion into Lithuania in the courts. It project can be suspended114. is now up to the Lithuanian Constitutional Court to examine its complaint115. In addition, when asked about relations with Russia and former Russian railway Other intermediaries of this network - the manager V. Yakunin, during his press con- company Railvec, Gargždų geležinkelis116 ference organ­ized specifically in Lithuania, and others - are active in Lithuania. A. Slesers ensured that they were a “small

15 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Are they really looking for competition?

All the representatives of the network Personnel Department at the Lithuanian ­involved in the Russian expansion through Railways, headed by S. Dailydka, and agi- railways and their associates are constantly tating for the full opening of the Lithuanian repeating that they are seeking competition. railway market117.

“In our opinion, such actions of the Ministry Last December, a report published by the of Transport and its subordinate institutions National Audit Office on public railway -in limit competition. Since the company has frastructure management also draws atten- not been able to carry out cargo transporta- tion to the lack of competition leading to tion activities in Lithuania for a long time, inefficient use of infrastructure118. although it is not forbidden or restricted by law, we are forced to ask for help from However, the past of businesspeople that are the EC,” said LGĮA Director Tomas Keršis, influenced by Russia is calling into question who is also the LGC Cargo logistics man- whether they are really seeking competition ager. and intend to operate in a competitive en- vironment. First of all, because the Russian “Lietuvos Geležinkeliai AB” has been criti- business itself is more famous for corruption, cized for the current situation, as no private protectionism and the related business mod- railway companies (carriers) who wish to el, but not for fair competition. provide passenger, baggage and cargo ser- vices are admitted to the market because By the way, it has already been mentioned AB Lietuvos Geležinkeliai currently has all that the efforts of the Russian-related net- the possibilities to give itself priority con- work have prevented the opening of the ditions to allocate railway infrastructure ca- Estonian market to Western competition – pacity and provide relevant services. Private the privatization of Estonian Railways was carriers are currently feeling discriminated destroyed when US investors bought them. as AB Lietuvos Geležinkeliai is acting as a monopoly, not allowing any new railway It is worth paying attention to the personal company (carrier) on the market. For this experience of some of the network’s repre- reason, even the European Commission has sentatives. Here, Mr A. Slesers, being Min- been approached to assess the behaviour of ister of Transport and Communications of AB Lietuvos Geležinkeliai as violating the Latvia and controlling Riga airport, contrib- interests of the companies (carriers) and the uted to both – the collapse of Lithuanian relevant EU legislation”, explains Vilius Ni- company “flyLAL - Lithuanian Airlines” 119 kitinas, who was director of the Law and and the granting of exceptional conditions

16 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

at the same airport to Ryanair120, which has the Russian monopoly in the Latvian mar- even led him to the attention of corruption ket122 . researchers, and Latvia has suffered consid- erable losses121. In 2008, O. Osinovsky was found guilty in Estonia of unlawful attempts to agree One of the well-known independent Polish with Estonian Railways on price alignment, analytical center OSW assessed one of A. market sharing and other anti-competitive Slesers’, as a businessman’s acting in railways ­measures123. The corruption scandals asso- sector, contracts with Russian Railways as ciated with these people are already listed consolidation of the dominant position of above. Is Lithuania ready for threats?

In January 17, 2017 among the threats, dan- ­development and competitiveness of the gers and risk factors mentioned in Chapter transport system, insufficient diversification IV of the National Security Strategy of the of export and investment” 124. Republic of Lithuania, the following are mentioned as well: “economic and energy In the Republic of Lithuania Law on Com- ­dependence, economic vulnerability – econom- panies and Equipment of National Impor- ic entities of states that do not meet the tance for National Security and Other Com- criteria of Euro-Atlantic integration, as panies Important to Ensure National well as states that are based on the former Security Amendment to Act IX-1132, ad- USSR political, military, economic and opted on 12 January 2018, the transport sec- other unions of states, involvement of eco- tor is mentioned among these strategically nomic entities in dominating sectors of important for the national security125. strategic importance for national security, intentions to take over control and land areas It is asserted that the partially separated pub- of companies and equipment strategically lic railway infrastructure management model­ important for national security, inappropriate­ chosen by the Ministry of Transport and protection of companies and equipment Communications will ensure that “the pub- strategically important for national security lic railway infrastructure necessary for the or use of state power in violation­ of state smooth operation of railway traffic and the interests, monopolisation of import of ener- activities, i.e. passenger and cargo transit ser- gy resources, remaining interconnections of vices by rail, which is important for the na- electricity with the Russian Federation and tional security of the State of Lithuania, is the Republic of and belonging to the protected against all risk factors that may same synchronous zone, disruption of endanger national security interests” .

17 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

Conclusions

1. From the above facts it can be concluded­ fluence of Russia or its affiliated companies that the Lithuanian railway market was not on the purchases of Lithuanian Railways targeted by separate businesses that only and successes­ in them, that the “state within wanted to implement their business interests, the state”, which President D. Grybauskaitė but the whole complex geopolitical Kremlin spoke about when the Lithuanian Railways expansion network, not only related to each were managed by former management, is other, but also actively cooperating not only still not fully dismantled. And that “state in business but possibly in illegal activities. within the state” seemed to be closer to the Putin regime than to Lithuania. 2. This study reveals the strategic approach 3. of the Kremlin to transport and, in ­particular, There is a strong likelihood that the the railway sector as a weapon and expan- Kremlin’s weapon of former energy policy in sion tool for Russian foreign policy, as well the Baltic States, whose influence and po- as a network of interconnected individuals tential is weakening, aims to influence the and companies, which co-ordinated acts arms of a less strategically important area of in Estonia and Latvia, and suggests that transport, namely the railway sector. ­despite Lithuania’s readiness to stand up the threat of this expansion, the fight is far from 4. The threat to national security in complete. So far, Lithuania’s actions seem to ­Lithuania is not only due to the geo-eco- have helped to prevent some of the compa- nomic and geopolitical expansion of the nies and individuals associated with Russia Kremlin, but also to the inevitable factors from expansion into our country. But when associated with the Putin regime: the prob- the legal struggle moves to the European ability of corruption, money laundering, Union level, the outcome is hard to predict. mafia criminal activity and direct impact on Moreover, the people and companies of domestic political decisions is not only the- this network are already active in Lithuania, oretical but also practical possibility, shown and they do not intend to give up. It can by the activities of the individuals and com- be concluded from the stories about the in- panies mentioned in the study.

19 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

5. The Lithuanian railway infrastructure, its are related to Russia and operate accord- use and control in the current geopolitical ing to corrupt and competition-preventive context must also be assessed from a mili- business model, to create competition. The tary perspective. examples presented show that it can happen the other way around. Market opening for such companies can lead to efforts to reduce 6. Competition in the rail sector is desir- competition through various behind-the- able and welcome. It is necessary to look for scenes agreements, corruption and other ways to ensure this competition. However, actions. it would be naive to expect companies that Recommendations

to convince the European Union’s part- 1. It is necessary to prepare a strategy ners, ­especially neighbours, that attempts for the further reduction, and in the future to protect against the Russian threat are not – for full prevention, of Russia’s influence a restrict­ion of competition or a policy di- in the railway sector in general and at the rected against our partners, but common Lithuanian Railways Company separately. European interest. The same thing needs to be done in the structures of the European 2. Lithuania must continue oppos- Union, as it is obvious that the Kremlin’s ing expansion of the network and possibly expansion architects intend to move their expansion of new affiliated companies in struggle to Brussels, where they have plenty Russia to our national transport sphere as a of lobbying forces and other leverage. strategic economic area in general and the railway sector separately. 5. Strengthen the role of intelligence, in particular the Security Department, in 3. Verification of potential investments preventing these threats. in this area should not be limited to the verification of Russian capital. An in-depth 6. It is necessary to educate Lithua- examination of the Western companies nian society and politicians in these fields, ­involved with Russia, their comprehensive ­because this fight is already in the field of clarification of relations must become the informative Russian war against Lithuania. norm rather than the exception. In the future, this war “due to the need for economic cooperation and competition” 4. There is a need to develop an action will only intensify, especially when it comes plan, based on our own experience, such not to Russia but formally to European com- as in this study, and all other possible ways panies and their arrival in Lithuania

20 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

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21 Lithuanian Railways: Attack from the East

taikosi-galingi-konkurentai-is-rytu 67 securingdemocracy.gmfus.org/illicit-influence- 41 www.delfi.lt/verslas/transportas/lietuvos- part-two-energy-weapon/ gelezinkeliu-direktoriaus-pavaduotojas-itariamasis- 68 i.despiteborders.com/the-role-of-intermediary- stt-tyrime.d?id=71392760#/ companies-in-russian-ukrainian-relations-and- 42 www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/zinu-analize/de- implications-for-the-countries-of-central-europe-2/ facto-oligarhu-lieta-slesera-intereses-noliegusie- 69 www.academia.edu/1191899/Intermediaries_in_ menedzeri-strada-vina-gimenes-holdinga.a227754/ Russias_Gas_Trade_What_Do_They_Tell_Us_ 43 eurorailtrans.eu/en/about-us/company-structure. about_Russia_s_Foreign_Policy_and_Domestic_ html Regime 44 m.baltictimes.com/article/jcms/id/135232/ 70 vesti.lv/news/usluga-za-500-000 45 www.buscongroup.com/new.php?ELEMENT_ 71 Ibid. ID=75 72 eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/economy/russian-rail- 46 bnn-news.com/russian-railway-holding-buys- repairs-to-cost-latvia-about-2-million.a141851/ shares-company-related-slesers-skele-127671 73 www.bbc.com/russian/business/2015/08/150818_ 47 www.forbes.ru/news/82276-maksim-liksutov- latvia_railways_collision prodal-partneram-dolyu-v-transmashholdinge 74 rus.lsm.lv/statja/novosti/politika/peregovori- 48 www.kommersant.ru/doc/1967721 oligarhov-shlesers-prosil-ostavit-vo-glave-ldz- 49 www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/15110/ soldata-magonisa.a247318/ 50 www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2802738/Estonia- 75 eadaily.com/ru/news/2018/05/08/latviyskaya- nationalises-railway.html liepaya-otkazalas-ot-rossiyskih-tramvaev-iz-tveri 51 www.rrdc.com/article_04_2007_railroading_BRS_ www.intellinews.com/latvia-to-probe-tram-tender- BalticCityPaper.pdf awarded-to-russian-controlled-railvec-140071/ 52 www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/14892/ 76 Ibid. 53 www.kommersant.ru/doc/1290122 77 www.baltic-course.com/eng/ 54 arileht.delfi.ee/news/uudised/ transport/?doc=110010 kapo-salvestas-ossinovski-vaidetava- 78 icds.ee/wp-content/uploads/2014/Emmet_ seaduserikkumise?id=51007958 Tuohy_-_Corruption_Scandals_and_Russian_ 55 www.kommersant.ru/doc/1815723 Influence_in_the_Baltic.pdf 56 www.vedomosti.ru/business/ 79 neweasterneurope.eu/2018/09/01/corruption- articles/2015/11/09/616009-maltsev-globaltrans -biggest-export/ 57 www.rbc.ru/ 80 www.hudson.org/research/13666-weaponizing- rbcfreenews/5980aa4f9a794756acd74fe1 kleptocracy-putin-s-hybrid-warfare 58 dailystorm.ru/obschestvo/potracheno-tendery- 81 www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/01/29/russia- rzhd-2017 ties-lebanon-in-2018-corruption-perceptions- 59 www.delfi.lv/biznes/bnews/shlesers-pridumal- index-transparency-international-a64328 kak-spasti-latvijskij-tranzit-ot-poteri-rossijskih- 82 www.transparency.org/cpi2018 gruzov.d?id=48064103 83 www.stopfake.org/en/states-within-states- 60 rns.online/transport/Bivshii-top-menedzher- how-corruption-in-the-baltic-transport-sector- Globaltrans-Vyacheslav-Valentik-naznachen-glavoi- perpetuates-russia-s-economic-influence/ RZHD-Logistiki-2016-08-19/ 84 www.kapo.ee/en/content/annual-reviews.html 61 www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/ 85 www.fpri.org/article/2017/11/three-little- person. asp?personId=114167123&priv- oligarchs-latvias-corruption-scandal/ capId=113670093&previous- 86 www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/03/06/russian- CapId=113670093&previousTitle=Transgroup%20 officials-media-meet-explosive-troika-laundromat- Invest%20AS report-with-shrug-a64713 62 www.delfi.lv/biznes/bnews/l-ekspresis-kupil- 87 www.occrp.org/en/projects/28-ccwatch/cc-watch- rossijskij-milliarder.d?id=21064174&all=true indepth/7698-report-russia-laundered-billions-via- 63 gorod.lv/novosti/31975-latviyskoe_predpriyatie_ danske-bank-estonia kupil_transmashholding 88 www.occrp.org/en/daily/9396-swedbank-scandal- 64 www.delfi.lv/biznes/bnews/kompaniya-s- doubles-implicates-organized-crime rossijskimi-kornyami-budet-konkurirovat-za-gruzy- 89 www.vz.lt/verslo-aplinka/2017/11/16/lietuva- s-latvijas-dzelzcels.d?id=42204184&all=true ketvirtoji-pasaulyje-prieme-magnickio-istatyma 65 eurorailtrans.eu/en/about-us/company-structure. 90 lawandorderinrussia.org/2016/hermitage-seeks- html money-laundering-investigation-in-estonia-into- 66 www.iene.eu/russia-uses-energy-as-political-tool- deputy-mayor-of-moscow-in-magnitsky-case/ oettinger-p1732.html 91 oef.org.ee/fileadmin/media/valjaanded/uuringud/

22 ReportTransborderCorruption2015_2.pdf gelezinkeliais-siejama-lgc-cargo-baugina-ant- 92 www.baltic-course.com/eng/ plauko-gali-pakibti-rail-baltica-papildyta-16-20 transport/?doc=32572 115 www.vz.lt/transportas-logistika/2018/12/06/del- 93 mbk.today/files/2018/02/sp.pdf skinest-skundo--kreipimasis-i-konstitucini-teisma 94 rubakhin.org/?page_id=867 116 www.vz.lt/transportas-logistika/2019/04/09/lgc- 95 m.baltictimes.com/article/jcms/id/112872/ cargo-ir-gargzdu-gelezinkelis-vel-praso-leidimo- 96 www.deseretnews.com/article/700106944/New- vezti-krovinius-per-lietuva Alaska-Railroad-CEO-relishes-atypical-career.html 117 www.delfi.lt/verslas/nuomones/vilius-nikitinas- 97 www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/us/politics/maria- ar-lietuva-sugebes-igyvendinti-es-reikalavimus- butina-russian-oligarch.html gelezinkeliu-transporto-sektoriuje.d?id=81189929 98 www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/ 118 www.delfi.lt/verslas/transportas/lietuvos- Research/Russia%20and%20Eurasia/0812bp_grigas. gelezinkeliu-monopolis-leidimo-vezti-kroviniu- pdf per-lietuva-negaunanti-imone-zada-skustis- 99 www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/17047/ ek.d?id=80273013 100 www.aripaev.ee/uudised/2006/12/20/ 119 www.ve.lt/naujienos/ekonomika/ekonomikos- transiidiarimees-filatovi-kannupoisid naujienos/a-sleseris-airbaltic-trauksis-is-lietuvos/ 101 news.postimees.ee/3021029/help-from-russia- 120 bnn-news.com/slesers-actual-role-signing- channelled-to-soc-dems-by-papa-ossinovski contract-ryanair-revealed-113664 102 news.err.ee/877538/eesti-nelja-energia-deal- 121 bnn-news.com/slesers-heritage-still-causes- puts-jevgeni-ossinovski-under-fire latvia-considerable-losses-140996 103 rus.delfi.ee/daily/estonia/kapo-predosteregla- 122 www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/ pravitelstvo-ot-izlishnego-vnimaniya-liderov- analyses/2015-04-15/russian-latvian-transit- mestnogo-biznesa-k-evr-cargo?id=65374536 consortium 104 news.err.ee/833203/estonian-tycoon-evr- 123 www.concurrences.com/en/bulletin/news-issues/ cargo-anti-competitive-should-be-privatized- march-2008/An-Estonian-Circuit-Court-s-ruling or-closed www.dv.ee/novosti/2018/12/11/ 124 e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/ osinovskij-pravitelstvo-vedjot-sebja-absoljutno- TAP/0d089c20d73711e69c5d8175b5879c31 bezotvetstvenno www.railwaypro.com/wp/estonia- 125 e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ could-privatize-evr-cargo/ ad3c7f72fcdb11e796a2c6c63add27e9 105 bnn-news.com/some-politicians-involved-in- 126 lrv.lt/uploads/main/meetings/ oligarchs-case-remain-active-in-latvia-s-political- docs/21950_6a0027cbd35f048ea4cc04b166d6d73b. life-175564 pdf 106 www.fpri.org/article/2017/11/three-little- 127 sumin.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/seime-lietuvos- oligarchs-latvias-corruption-scandal/ gelezinkeliu-veiklu-isgryninimo-modelis 107 books.google.lt/books?id=zTM6DQAA QBAJ&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=slesers+ russian+railways&source=bl&ots=BWTNz KLmFq&sig=ACfU3U2L2BPVak2eUL4- XOASFFFAfwxisg&hl=en&sa=X&ved =2ahUKEwiWgquUxZDiAhUO06YKHU- u4ByMQ6AEwB3oECAkQAQ#v=onep- age&q=slesers%20russian%20railways&f=false 108 www.baltic-course.com/eng/ transport/?doc=96338 109 rus.delfi.ee/archive/iz-estonskogo-oligarha-v- prezidenty-moldavii?id=17782948 110 www.newsweek.com/russia-prepares-war-nato- strikes-western-europe-report-1359691 111 www.foi.se/en/foi/news-and-pressroom/ news/2019-02-04-russia-trains-for-war.html 112 mwi.usma.edu/baltic-trainspotting-railways- natos-logistics-problem-northeastern-europe/ 113 www.delfi.lt/verslas/transportas/lgc-cargo- del-susisiekimo-ministerijos-veiksmu-kreipesi-i- ek.d?id=80809989 114 www.lrt.lt/naujienos/verslas/4/954560/su-rusijos-

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