Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko: “NATO is purposefully pursuing a path of mounting confrontation in this part of Europe”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko
Photo: TASS

Western countries are rehearsing scenarios for a naval blockade and the seizure of the Kaliningrad region during the Joint Expeditionary Force exercises, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Sputnik.

During the exercises of the United Expeditionary Forces (UEF) under the leadership of the United Kingdom, scenarios of a naval blockade and seizure of the Kaliningrad region are being worked out. This was announced by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.

"NATO is purposefully pursuing a path of mounting confrontation in this part of Europe... The activity of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, whose tasks include rapid response in the Far North, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea areas, is growing," he emphasized.

"During the exercises under the auspices of the ECO, scenarios such as a naval blockade and the seizure of the Kaliningrad region are being worked out," he said in an interview.

According to the diplomat, the activity of the United Expeditionary Forces, led by Great Britain, has been increasing recently. Their tasks include rapid response in the areas of the Far North, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea.

According to Grushko, NATO’s drills include operational scenarios that directly involve isolating Kaliningrad. He described the situation as an ongoing militarization of the area, with the alliance deploying additional coalition forces and weaponry near Russia’s borders.

The deputy minister noted that such developments make any discussion about reducing regional tensions increasingly unrealistic. He added that NATO countries show no willingness for open and equal dialogue on security issues — unlike Moscow, which, he stressed, remains ready for constructive engagement.

Grushko emphasized that Russia will rely on all tools permitted under international law to defend its national interests and ensure its security amid what he described as growing Western hostility.

Earlier, it was reported that NATO intends to incorporate drones into its units stationed along the alliance’s eastern flank by mid-2026, in an effort to bolster air defenses and address the increasing threat posed by Russia.

In January, former Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Darius Jurgelevicius boasted that the alliance has a ready-made scenario for a blockade of Kaliningrad in the event of a direct clash with Russia.

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