Kremlin: Russia Will Ensure Kaliningrad's Security, Warns of Consequences of Nuclear Weapons Deployment Near Its Borders
The Kremlin affirmed its guarantee of Kaliningrad's security and warned of the repercussions of deploying nuclear weapons near Russian borders.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, Jan 1 (KUNA) -- The Kremlin on Thursday affirmed that Russia would ensure the security of the Kaliningrad region, warning that any steps to deploy nuclear weapons near the Russian border would not enhance security in Europe but would instead contribute to escalating tensions. Russian news agency TASS quoted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying that Russian warnings about the potential consequences of attempts to besiege Kaliningrad should not be regarded as “shocking statements,” stressing that Moscow would take all necessary measures to guarantee the security of the region. Peskov added that countries agreeing to deploy nuclear weapons near the Russian border are “extremely foolish,” and that such steps do not yield greater security but rather lead to heightened tensions.
On the European front, Peskov said European countries continue to pursue “militarization at an accelerating pace,” noting that the European Union spends about 5 percent of its member states’ budgets on creating defensive and protective mechanisms.
Regarding the Ukrainian file, the spokesperson stated that Kyiv has not made significant progress toward negotiations in recent months, accusing European countries of continuing to obstruct the negotiation process. He added that the majority of European countries are involved in the conflict alongside Ukraine, and that this “will have repercussions for them.”
On the subject of Russian-American relations, the Kremlin clarified that practical communications between Moscow and Washington remain ongoing, describing this as a positive development. Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian President’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, continues his talks with American officials on the prospects for potential economic cooperation.
Peskov pointed out that the United States still links the resumption of economic cooperation with Russia to reaching a settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, adding that jointly implementing major economic projects could benefit both countries. The Kremlin spokesperson also welcomed statements by the Bulgarian prime minister on the importance of seizing any opportunity for dialogue with Moscow, noting that “Russia hears such appeals, but they have not yet affected the prevailing general trend in Europe.”
Earlier, the Kremlin announced that Dmitriev had briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the results of his communications with representatives of the American side. (End) D.A.N. / M.N.F.
