Russia has warned NATO that it would be ready to use its full arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad if the West attempts to impose an air and naval blockade. The warning was published in a series of messages by Russian embassies across Europe, accusing Western nations of plotting to isolate the territory.
Kremlin accuses NATO of plotting blockade
Moscow claimed to have intelligence that the US-led military alliance is planning an "air and naval blockade" around Kaliningrad, which is wedged between NATO allies Poland and Lithuania. Kremlin officials accused Western nations of "playing a dangerous game" and warned that any attempt to isolate the territory would trigger an immediate military response.
"There should be no mistake - Russia would be ready to use all its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries try to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country," the Russian Embassy in Ireland declared in a statement published on Telegram.
Strategic flashpoint and NATO response
Kaliningrad is home to Russia's Baltic Fleet and nuclear-capable Iskander missile systems, making it one of the most volatile flashpoints on Europe's eastern flank. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov backed the aggressive statements, pointing to "rampant statements" from Poland and European leaders.
"It’s only natural that our diplomats are trying to remind the hotheads in Europe about our policy documents regarding this matter," Peskov told reporters.
NATO firmly hit back at the Kremlin's statements, rejecting claims that it was planning an encirclement. Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed NATO had received a formal written message from Moscow, stating: "We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."
She added: "NATO is a defensive alliance and none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia."
Escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea
The clash follows heightened military manoeuvres in the Baltic Sea, where NATO recently launched Operation Baltic Sentry to safeguard underwater energy pipelines and communication cables. With intelligence officials warning that Moscow could target European nations in the coming years, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte argued that Putin’s escalating threats reflect growing panic over Russia's stagnating war in Ukraine.
"Russia’s use of hybrid tactics is a sign of desperation," Ms Hart added. "We will not be dissuaded from our support [for] Ukraine. We have what it takes to defend every inch of Allied territory."
