Russia has warned that it is prepared to use all available means, including nuclear weapons, to defend the Kaliningrad region and prevent it from being cut off from the rest of Russian territory, according to a statement circulated by Moscow’s embassy in Ireland.
The embassy said information had emerged suggesting that NATO was preparing for the possibility of imposing an air and naval blockade on the city and region of Kaliningrad.
Moscow said such a scenario should not be dismissed as “fantasy”, describing it instead as a matter of serious concern.
The diplomatic mission accused Europe’s political leadership of recklessness, saying: “The European political elite, through its recklessness and short-sightedness, is playing with fire.”
Moscow Warns of Nuclear Response
The embassy said there should be “not the slightest doubt” that Russia was prepared to use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO member states attempted to isolate Kaliningrad.
It warned that such a scenario could sharply increase the risk of an armed confrontation, adding that Russia could resort, from the early stages of any conflict, to pre-emptive strikes against decision-making centres in NATO countries.
The embassy described such a possibility as “extremely dangerous” and called on European governments to treat the matter accordingly.
Moscow also said those considering the idea of blockading or attacking Kaliningrad should fully understand the potential consequences.
According to the statement, any British or NATO military action against Russian territory would be met with a response using all capabilities available to Russia, including its nuclear arsenal.
Russia Says It Does Not Seek War With NATO
At the same time, the embassy said Moscow had repeatedly made clear that it does not seek confrontation with NATO or European countries and has no intention of attacking any of them.
However, it added that any party choosing to initiate a confrontation with Russia “should have no illusions” about the nature of Moscow’s response.
The statement presented Russia’s position as one of deterrence, warning that any military action against Russian territory would trigger retaliation.
Kaliningrad’s Strategic Importance
Kaliningrad holds particular geopolitical importance because it is geographically separated from the rest of Russia and lies between Lithuania and Poland, both members of NATO.
The warning comes as relations between Moscow and Western states remain increasingly tense, amid growing concerns that confrontation between Russia and NATO could expand further.
