Overview
- Russian ambassador Nikolay Korchunov told TASS that current NATO exercises include scenarios to blockade or seize Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea.
- Korchunov said UK-led drills aim to control North Atlantic sea lanes and argued allied actions have targeted ships moving goods to and from Russia.
- Moscow said NATO has expanded forces and maneuvers across the Baltic, the Arctic, and northern Europe under frameworks such as Baltic Sentry and during March's Cold Response drill with 32,500 troops.
- Russian officials warned these activities pose serious risks to commercial navigation and said they will pursue diplomatic steps alongside unspecified military-technical measures to protect sea routes.
- The claims were carried by Russian state and allied outlets and, in the provided coverage, lack independent confirmation or a response from NATO.