Russia warns NATO of nuclear response to Kaliningrad blockade

Russia's embassies in Ireland and Belgium issued statements on September 28–29, 2026, warning NATO countries that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons if NATO attempts to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of Russian territory. The statements cited what Russia characterized as "provocative" NATO statements and military exercises, including the Lithuanian-Polish-French exercise "Gallant Boar 2026" in June 2026, which Russia interpreted as being directed at the Kaliningrad exclave. The Russian documents stated that Russia would deploy "the entire arsenal of weapons, including nuclear weapons" to defend its territory if NATO pursued such isolation.

NATO rejected the characterization and condemned the nuclear rhetoric as irresponsible. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that the alliance is "exclusively a defensive alliance" and that none of its actions pose a threat to Russia. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Russia continues a "reckless campaign of hostile actions directed against NATO." Hart emphasized that NATO possesses "everything necessary to protect every inch of NATO territory" and reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended the warnings, stating that Russia "records statements from European capitals about plans to blockade Kaliningrad" and that it is "completely natural" for Russian diplomats to remind Europe of Russia's positions. However, Peskov did not specify which statements by NATO countries he referenced. While some NATO officials, including Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budraitis, have discussed NATO's capability to neutralize Russian air defense systems and missile complexes in Kaliningrad, NATO officials have not publicly announced plans to blockade or isolate the region.

Russia also reiterated its assertion that it has "no plans, no reasons, and most importantly, no real motives for escalating relations with Europe." In its statements, Moscow characterized Western military activity—including NATO's expansion on Russia's western border and French President Emmanuel Macron's nuclear-sharing initiative—as posing a "real threat" to Russian national security. The exchange reflects heightened rhetoric amid broader NATO-Russia tensions, particularly regarding security concerns in the Baltic states and Poland.