Vladimir Putin orders measures for the security of Kaliningrad

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered authorities in Moscow to take measures to guarantee the security of the Kaliningrad region, amid Russia’s accusations that NATO could try to blockade the Baltic Sea enclave.

The information was conveyed on Thursday by Nikolai Patrushev, a Kremlin adviser and chairman of Russia’s Maritime Board, during a meeting with the governor of the Kaliningrad region. Patrushev said the relevant institutions were treating the issue with “great attention” and warned that any aggressive action by NATO would receive an immediate response.

“If they even try to do something, an appropriate and immediate reaction will follow,” the Russian official said, adding that NATO countries “will regret” any attempt to take action against the region.

Tensions have risen after Russia accused the Alliance of preparing an air and maritime blockade of Kaliningrad. The Russian Embassy in Ireland warned that Moscow could use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend the region and did not rule out preemptive strikes against decision-making centers in NATO states.

The North Atlantic Alliance rejects the accusations and says it is a defensive organization. The Kremlin described European statements about blocking Kaliningrad as “outrageous,” while Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russian doctrine provides for a nuclear response in certain situations.