Baltics out of Russia's energy ring, Kaliningrad Region runs in autonomous mode

The power system of the Kaliningrad Region has begun operating in autonomous mode after Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia exited the united energy ring with Moscow and Minsk, the Russian Energy Ministry stated, adding that the region is now prepared for autonomous operation.

"The timely decisions of the Russian president and government ensured that the energy system of the Kaliningrad Region was prepared for autonomous operation in advance. Today, the total capacity of Kaliningrad's power plants amounts to 1.88 GW, which is twice the region's peak power consumption, providing a reliable power supply to citizens under any circumstances," the ministry said in a statement.

 More than three decades after leaving the Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are preparing to unplug from Russia's electricity grid and join the EU's network.

The two-day process will begin on Saturday, with residents told to charge their devices, stock up on food and water, and prepare as if severe weather is forecast.

Many have been told not to use lifts - while in some areas traffic lights will be turned off.