Russia warns of "rigid response" to any NATO threats targeting Kaliningrad
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Russia has issued a stark warning that it will deliver an unconstrained, "rigid response" to any action threatening its sovereignty or civilian population in Kaliningrad, amid growing military friction with NATO over the Baltic exclave.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Russian Embassy in Geneva on Thursday, Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated that “Any threat to the sovereignty or any targeted attack against the civilian population of the Russian Federation, including in Kaliningrad, should merit a response without limits when it comes to protecting our sovereignty and our population.”
The diplomatic warning follows earlier Russian threats suggesting Moscow could consider nuclear options if NATO attempts to isolate the exclave, as stated by Reuters.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged receiving a formal communication from Moscow, urging the Kremlin to cease its nuclear rhetoric while reinforcing that NATO remains a defensive alliance.
"We are a defensive alliance. And stop the nuclear threats. This is absolutely not called for and not helpful,” he said.
Separately, Kremlin adviser Nikolai Patrushev confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has ordered enhanced security measures for the territory.
Addressing the upcoming UN leadership transition, Miroshnik declined to endorse specific candidates for UN Secretary-General when current chief António Guterres' term concludes at the end of December, though he noted Moscow expects the successor to operate differently from Guterres when taking office in January 2027.
