A journalist questioned US official Witaker about Russia’s aggressive rhetoric linking NATO, nuclear weapons, and Kaliningrad, as well as the likelihood of further actions by Moscow against NATO Member States. Witaker stated, “We will be ready for any developments. We have made it very clear to the Russian side that we are a defensive alliance. We will defend every inch of NATO territory, but we are not oriented towards offensive actions. We do not seek to attack Russia or jeopardize its interests in any way.”
Witaker suggested that, due to a lack of success on the battlefield in Ukraine, Russia is attempting to escalate aggressive actions. He assured that NATO remains vigilant against potential threats and will continue to enhance its defensive capabilities.
While commenting on Russia’s hybrid actions within NATO countries, Witaker noted that Moscow is trying to make allies feel the consequences of their support for Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the response to such actions should not be a reduction in assistance to Kyiv, but rather an increase in support, particularly from European nations.
Context
- On September 11, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski suggested NATO conduct military exercises near the Kaliningrad region to divert Russian forces from Ukraine.
- On September 29, the Russian embassy in Ireland warned NATO of potential nuclear action if Alliance countries attempt to isolate Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia, claiming that NATO was preparing an air and naval blockade of the Russian enclave.
- On October 1, illegitimate Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia was not intending to intimidate anyone, yet threatened to use all available types of weapons in the event of a direct attack on Kaliningrad or other Russian territories.
