Threats against the Kaliningrad Region are being taken seriously in Moscow, with Russia prepared to respond harshly if the region comes under attack. State Duma Defense Committee member Andrey Kolesnik made the statement while commenting to aif.ru on remarks by former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis about possible strike scenarios targeting the Russian region.

Valionis earlier told Delfi that NATO was prepared to attack the Kaliningrad Region in the event of an escalation. He also claimed that scenarios involving the destruction of Russian military infrastructure there had repeatedly been discussed behind closed doors.

Kolesnik argued that such rhetoric should not be dismissed simply because it comes from former officials. Similar statements, he said, have also been made by current Lithuanian authorities, while Vilnius' position on Kaliningrad is reflected in official documents. The lawmaker described territorial claims against the region as a direct challenge to Russia’s territorial integrity.

Moscow is also closely watching military activity near Kaliningrad. Exercises are regularly held close to the region, while reconnaissance aircraft and bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons operate nearby. Kolesnik said this leaves no room for treating such threats lightly.

According to the deputy, Russia is studying potential NATO scenarios against the Kaliningrad Region, including methods that could be used to suppress its missile capabilities. He stressed that Moscow regards these plans as a serious military threat.

Kolesnik said any Russian response to an attack would be severe. Moscow is taking military-technical measures and strengthening its capabilities on the western direction. He maintained that Russia does not intend to launch an attack first, but has enough military power to deter those considering the use of force. In his words, it may sometimes be necessary to «shake the torch of war» so that opponents understand how badly such a confrontation could end.

The lawmaker also urged Lithuanian politicians to remember how attempts to use force against Russia have ended in the past. He pointed to the Nuremberg Trials as the most recent historical example and called on those making threats to think about the consequences before taking further steps.

Kolesnik also offered Lithuanian officials a chance to see the realities of warfare for themselves by visiting the combat zone. He said he was ready to guarantee their safety, take them to the line of contact and remain with them while they witnessed conditions under fire. In his view, such an experience would sharply reduce their appetite for militant rhetoric.

He concluded by pointing to Ukraine, which has already lost 20% of its territory. Kolesnik said Lithuanian authorities should consider that outcome before speaking about a possible military confrontation with Russia.