MOSCOW, Russia – Russia has issued a warning over what it describes as potential Western efforts to isolate or blockade its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, saying Moscow would respond using its available military capabilities.
Russian officials reportedly warned that Moscow would be prepared to use its “entire arsenal” if Kaliningrad were subjected to a military blockade.
Kaliningrad lies between NATO members Poland and Lithuania and hosts Russia’s Baltic Fleet headquarters at Baltiysk. The territory is also heavily militarised and is known to host advanced air-defence systems and Iskander missile systems.
The warning has raised concerns in Europe over the possibility of further military escalation between Russia and NATO.
NATO has criticised what it regards as irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, while Russia maintains that its warnings are linked to perceived threats to its territory and security.
There is currently no indication in the reported account that NATO has launched a blockade of Kaliningrad. Any escalation involving the territory could carry significant security implications for the wider Baltic region.
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