“It’s long past time to block the Kaliningrad region”: expert explains what the Kremlin is afraid of

Political expert and serviceman Oleksandr Musiienko explained that Russia’s growing hysteria about an alleged NATO attack is not accidental — it could be a way to justify a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, Politeka reports.

He spoke about this in his blog.

“They keep mentioning the Baltic states. I think that, apart from trying to stir up tension, this is being done to create certain backup scenarios for Russia — in case they suddenly have to stop the fighting. Putin’s, the Kremlin’s, and Russian propagandists’ motivation may be that the troops need to regroup and prepare for a war against the Baltic and Northern European countries, since supposedly the threats come from there. This is the Kremlin’s backup plan,” Oleksandr Musiienko explained.

In particular, the expert noted that Russia has been ramping up hysteria — they were especially unhappy that Lithuania blocked the rail transit of petroleum products through its territory, for which, as he added, they actually deserve thanks.

“For example, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko claimed that NATO is preparing large-scale provocations and the blockade of the Kaliningrad region. Well, it’s long past time to block the Kaliningrad region and deprive Russia of this enclave, where the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet is located,” Musiienko said.

As Grushko stated — and as the expert pointed out — Russia insists it is difficult to see any potential for dialogue in this matter, so it will use all possible means to ensure national security and protect its interests.

That is, Musiienko explained, Russia is once again twisting the situation — portraying NATO as the potential aggressor, and thus justifying the buildup of its military presence and infrastructure in the Kaliningrad region. In other words, Moscow has clear motivation for such actions there.