The Treaty of Salynas marked a pivotal moment in the territorial complexities of Eastern Europe at the end of the 14th century. The agreement was facilitated by the growing tensions between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Teutonic Order, a powerful military and religious organization established in Prussia. As the Teutonic Knights sought to expand their influence and consolidate control over the Baltic region, the ceding of Samogitia to them was intended as a strategic diplomatic maneuver. This region had been a point of contention due to its economic significance and strategic location along trade routes.

Lithuania, under the rule of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great, sought to leverage this treaty to secure peace with the Teutonic Knights and to stabilize its own position within Eastern Europe. By ceding Samogitia, Lithuania aimed to prevent potential military confrontations and to reduce tensions. However, the loss of this territory would have lasting implications, as it represented a weakening of Lithuanian influence in the region and an increase in the Teutonic Knights' power, which they exploited to further their expansionist goals.

The treaty also encapsulated the broader regional conflicts involving Poland and the Teutonic Order, as well as the intricate alliances and enmities that characterized the politics of the time. The arrangement was a precursor to future conflicts, including the significant battles that would ensue between the Teutonic Knights and the Lithuanian-Polish alliance, which would eventually culminate in the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. This treaty set the stage for ongoing struggles over control and influence in the Baltic region.