Russia warns NATO over Kaliningrad blockade drills

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has stated that scenarios for a naval blockade and capture of the Kaliningrad region are being practiced during the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) exercises under British auspices. The Kremlin has long warned that such drills are dangerous, with President Vladimir Putin stating an attempt to block Kaliningrad would result in "unprecedented escalation." Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board, clarified that any military encroachment on the region would be met with an immediate and harsh response, up to and including nuclear retaliation. Russia accuses NATO of purposefully intensifying confrontation in the Baltic region.