Russia has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom and NATO, declaring that any attempt to blockade or launch a strike against the Kaliningrad Region will be met with a military retaliation that could include the use of nuclear weapons.
The warning was issued on Tuesday in a Telegram statement by the Russian Embassy in London. The embassy was responding to recent UK media reports that discussed a potential NATO blockade of Kaliningrad or the non-recognition of Russia's sovereignty over the territory.
"Those advocating plans to blockade Kaliningrad or launch a strike against it should have no illusions about the consequences. Any military action by the UK or NATO against Russian territory will be met with a response using all means available to Russia, including nuclear weapons," the embassy stated.
While issuing the threat, the embassy maintained that Moscow is not looking for a conflict. It reiterated that Russia "does not seek confrontation with NATO and Europe and does not intend to attack them." However, it added that those who choose to initiate such a conflict "should not be under any illusions" regarding how Russia would react.
Situated on the Baltic Sea, the Kaliningrad Region is a Russian exclave positioned between Poland and Lithuania. It is geographically separated from mainland Russia by Lithuanian territory.
This statement follows similar remarks made last week by the Russian Embassy in Paris to Anadolu. Commenting on what it called "provocative statements" about potential NATO strikes or blockades targeting Kaliningrad, the embassy in France delivered a similar message.
"We wish to emphasise that Russia will use all means at its disposal to defend its territory and that, should any attempt be made to carry out such plans, the retaliation will be inevitable and overwhelming," the Paris embassy said.
