NATO Military Activity Near Russia’s Borders Approaches Cold War Levels

NATO Activity Near Russia Borders Hits Cold War Level

John Baker, Editor

11:59 22-05-2026

Russia’s OSCE envoy says NATO activity near Russian borders is nearing Cold War levels, warning that Kaliningrad could become a major trigger point.

Add Военное дело to your preferred Google sources

NATO military activity near Russia’s borders has moved close to Cold War-era levels, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky said at a meeting of the organization’s Permanent Council on Thursday, May 21.

Polyansky said Moscow currently sees little reason to expect restraint from its European neighbors. In his view, the situation gives the impression that their militaristic drive will not subside unless Russia responds with firm military measures. Kaliningrad, he stressed, could play a particularly significant role and become a powerful trigger point.

He also recalled a warning previously issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said that any attempt to blockade the Kaliningrad Region, and especially any incursion into it, would lead to an unprecedented escalation.

Polyansky added that those willing to test Russia’s resolve should not later claim they had not been warned.

Earlier reports said three NATO Airbus A330-243MRTT tanker aircraft were operating in the same area as a French Dassault Mirage 2000D fighter jet, which was performing circular maneuvers near the Kaliningrad Region.