U.S. Responds to Russia's Nuclear Threats Over Kaliningrad — CNBC
The U.S. stated that NATO has no plans to attack Russia but is ready to defend every inch of the Alliance’s territory. This was the response from U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker to Russian threats regarding Kaliningrad. Moscow has stated that it could use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if NATO attempts to isolate this Russian region.
U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the Alliance is not planning any offensive actions against Russia. At the same time, he said, NATO countries are ready to defend their territory if faced with aggression. “We will defend every inch of NATO territory, but at the same time, we are not focused on offensive actions. We do not seek to attack Russia or in any way threaten its interests,” Whitaker said in an interview with CNBC.
The American diplomat was responding to Moscow’s statements regarding Kaliningrad. This Russian region is located between Poland and Lithuania, both of which are NATO members. Consequently, the issue of its potential blockade or isolation directly affects the security of Alliance countries. In late September, Russia sent a diplomatic note to NATO. In it, Moscow claimed to have information that the Alliance was preparing an air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad.
The Russian side warned that, should any attempt be made to isolate the region, it was prepared to use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons. The document also mentioned the possibility of strikes against decision-making centers in NATO countries. NATO rejected these threats. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO is a defensive alliance and does not plan any actions against Kaliningrad. “We are a defensive alliance, so stop the nuclear threats,” Rutte said. He also said that NATO’s activities and exercises do not pose a threat to Russian territory.
Vitaker also commented on Moscow’s current rhetoric amid the war against Ukraine. According to him, Russia is not achieving the desired results on the battlefield and is trying to shift its aggressive rhetoric to other areas. The American diplomat emphasized that NATO will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities. The goal is for Alliance countries to be able to defend themselves in the event of a real threat.
At the same time, Rutte stated that NATO currently does not see an immediate threat to its territory from Russia. According to him, the assessment of the situation has not changed compared to what it was a few weeks, months, or even a year ago. Kaliningrad remains an important military region for Russia. It has access to the Baltic Sea and is surrounded by NATO member states. That is why any statements about a possible blockade of the region draw particular attention in the Baltic states and among other Alliance members.
Amid rising tensions in the Baltic region, the parties are exchanging harsh statements. At the same time, NATO publicly emphasizes that its actions are defensive in nature, while Russia is urged not to resort to nuclear rhetoric. This is reported by CNBC.
The United States is deploying approximately 50 Marines to the Baltic Sea region to participate in NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission to support and protect critical undersea infrastructure. The troops will work alongside Finland’s Coastal Brigade, providing expeditionary surveillance and tactical reconnaissance.
