The Russian representative at the talks in Vienna warned about NATO plans to move the confrontation into a hot phase by 2029-2030.
Quick Look
- Yulia Zhdanova, head of the Russian delegation at the military security talks in Vienna, said that NATO countries plan to move the military confrontation with Russia into a hot phase no later than 2029-2030, strengthening the military infrastructure in the eastern direction and working out scenarios for the blockade of Kaliningrad and the isolation of Russian ports.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the alliance is united, despite Russia's desire to defeat the bloc, and Finnish politician Armando Mema said that Russia has already won the conflict.
- Putin responded that Russia has no grounds for a conflict with Europe, accusing it of provoking war.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The statements come in the context of growing tensions between Russia and NATO following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, including military security discussions within the OSCE and negotiations in Vienna.
The head of the Russian delegation at the negotiations in Vienna on military security and arms control, Yulia Zhdanova, said that NATO countries plan to transfer the military confrontation with Russia into a hot phase no later than 2029–2030.
She added that at the same time, in the eastern direction, the alliance is strengthening its military infrastructure and expanding its presence. According to her, new brigade units are being formed in the region, command posts and additional warehouses for storing military equipment are being created.
NATO preparations for the blockade of Kaliningrad
Zhdanova also noted that NATO countries are working out scenarios for a possible blockade of the Kaliningrad region in the Baltic region. The alliance is also considering options for military-political isolation of Russian ports in the north-west, including St. Petersburg.
She recalled that the day before the need to strengthen NATO military activity near the Kaliningrad region was stated by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. Zhdanova invited the Polish delegation to explain how such initiatives relate to the commitments of OSCE countries to reduce military risks.
NATO Secretary General spoke about the conflict
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia wants to defeat the bloc, but the North Atlantic Alliance is united.
Armando Mema, a member of the Finnish Freedom Alliance party, responded to Rutte’s words by saying that Russia has already won the conflict, it’s just that the NATO Secretary General has not yet realized this. According to the politician, at the moment Western countries are faced with a choice: end the confrontation through diplomacy or come to terms with all Moscow’s conditions.
According to Bild, NATO has developed a strategy in the event of an armed conflict with Russia, which involves direct strikes on the territory of the Kaliningrad region. It was noted that the alliance wants to concentrate its resources on combating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles.
Russia's response
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow has no reason to enter into conflict with Europe. In his opinion, all issues were resolved following the Second World War.
According to the politician, no one thinks that Russia has no reasons for a conflict with Europe. He also said that Europe itself is pushing its countries towards war with Russia. The head of state noted that residents of European countries are frightened by the threat allegedly emanating from Moscow.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
NATO will begin implementing scenarios for a possible blockade of the Kaliningrad region as part of exercises by 2029–2030.
Possible · Within years
Russia will strengthen its military presence in the Kaliningrad region and the north-west in response to NATO activity.
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- What specific steps does NATO plan to take to blockade Kaliningrad?
- How will the OSCE respond to accusations of violating commitments to reduce military risks?
- Are there confirmed NATO plans to strike the Kaliningrad region, as Bild claims?
- How will NATO countries officially respond to accusations of preparing for the hot phase of the conflict?
