The Russian Foreign Ministry accused EU countries of preparing to seize the Kaliningrad region. European governments have not yet commented on this statement.
Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has published an official statement, in which it accused a number of European countries of preparing to seize the Kaliningrad region.
The statement speaks of «aggressive intentions» and a «dangerous concentration of troops» near Russia's borders. Moscow demands explanations from European governments.
The context of the allegations
The statement came amid rising tensions between Russia and the European Union, as well as intensified military exercises in the Baltic Sea region.
The Russian side has not provided concrete evidence of preparations for the seizure of Kaliningrad. European countries have not yet given an official response.
Reaction of the international community
At the time of publication, none of the EU or NATO countries had commented publicly on the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement.
EU officials have repeatedly emphasised that military presence in the region is defensive in nature.
The Kaliningrad factor
The Kaliningrad region is Russia's strategic enclave on the Baltic Sea, surrounded by EU and NATO countries.
The region is often the object of political tension between Moscow and the West, especially in times of deteriorating relations.
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