Russia Warns NATO: Blockading Kaliningrad Would Trigger Direct Armed Conflict

The Russian Embassy in Belgium has issued a warning to NATO and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that ongoing military activities and escalating tensions around the Kaliningrad Oblast are significantly increasing the risk of direct armed confrontation. Russia asserts it stands ready to employ its entire existing arsenal to defend its sovereign territory.

According to a statement released by Russia’s diplomatic mission, this position has been formally communicated to both the NATO International Secretariat and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, amid growing military activity by NATO near Russian borders.

The diplomatic mission stated: “We warn that this reckless and irresponsible course is dramatically raising the risk of direct armed conflict with our country. We emphasize that Russia possesses the necessary means to counter any potential aggression. Should NATO states attempt to isolate Kaliningrad Oblast from the rest of the Russian Federation, Russia is prepared to deploy its full arsenal to safeguard its territorial integrity.”

*NATO Activities Intensify in the Baltic Region*

The Russian diplomatic mission notes that NATO has repeatedly sought to impose new threats on Russian naval forces in the Baltic region, publicly simulating scenarios involving the “severance” of Kaliningrad Oblast and developing plans for a military-political blockade of ports in Russia’s northwestern region.

The mission specifically highlighted NATO’s “Baltic Sentinel” operation, launched in January 2025, which Russia assesses aims to rehearse mechanisms for unilateral maritime blockades affecting international shipping.

Additionally, Russian officials have observed statements by Western representatives suggesting NATO’s capability to strike military targets in Kaliningrad Oblast, as well as calls for new exercises near Russia’s borders.

*Russia Accuses NATO of Spreading “Russian Threat” Narrative*

The statement reads: “NATO is conducting a large-scale information campaign fabricating the myth of a ‘Russian danger,’ disseminating false narratives claiming Moscow intends to attack a Baltic state before 2029 or even earlier.”

The diplomatic mission points out that NATO has disregarded repeated declarations by Russian leadership affirming no intention to launch military action against NATO members, as well as proposals for mutual security guarantees.

The mission concluded with a call: “We urge NATO member states to refrain from further escalatory rhetoric and actions to prevent a large-scale confrontation.”

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877631480859915/

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