Is Russia preparing for potential threats to Kaliningrad?

Russia is taking a proactive approach to defending its Kaliningrad region and is prepared for any possible developments, according to Artem Bulatov, Ambassador-at-Large at the Russian Foreign Ministry.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Bulatov said the region’s geographic position necessitates specific measures to ensure security and to create conditions for realising its full potential.

He emphasised that Russia is acting in advance and is not confined to an “action-counteraction” approach.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions, after Russia’s ambassador to Norway, Nikolai Korchunov, said on May 5 that NATO is rehearsing scenarios involving a naval blockade and the seizure of the Kaliningrad region during military exercises.

Separately, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defence Committee, said Russia would use unconventional weapons in response to any attempt by the North Atlantic Alliance to seize the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova