Nikolay Patrushev Says NATO Plans Blockade of Kaliningrad and Seizure of Ships
Nikolay Patrushev says NATO plans include blocking Kaliningrad, seizing Russian merchant ships and sabotaging undersea communications, risking escalation.
NATO’s plans include a blockade of the Kaliningrad region and the seizure of Russian merchant ships, said Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev.
According to Patrushev, NATO planning also involves sabotage against undersea communications, after which Russia could be cynically blamed for the incidents.
In recent years, Russia has pointed to what it describes as unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders. The alliance has expanded its initiatives, describing them as «deterrence of Russian aggression.» Russian authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over the buildup of NATO forces in Europe. The Kremlin has stated that Russia threatens no one, but will not ignore actions that could pose risks to its interests.
At the end of 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a televised call-in show combined with a press conference that Russia would уничтожать threats to the Kaliningrad region if they emerge. He also warned that a potential blockade of the region could lead to a full-scale conflict.