Russia: NATO Has Essentially Declared War

In the event of a war between NATO and Russia, the exclave of Kaliningrad could be captured in an unprecedentedly short time, NATO General Chris Donahue announced recently. This has prompted a reaction from Russia, claiming it is practically a declaration of war.

"Such threats are practically a declaration of war," said Russian politician Sergei Muratov, according to Fox News.

It was on Wednesday that the high-ranking NATO General Chris Donahue, in an interview with Defense News, stated that the alliance is heavily investing in the eastern flank through the so-called "Eastern Flank Deterrence Line," with a particular focus on the Baltics.

Several world leaders have warned that Russia might attack a NATO country within the next five years, with the Baltic states being particularly vulnerable.

Donahue said that in the event of war, the defense alliance could take over the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad—which is wedged between NATO countries Poland and Lithuania—in an unprecedentedly short time.

"We have already planned for it and developed it. The problem of mass and momentum that Russia poses for us—we have developed the capability to ensure we can stop it," he said.

Carl Bildt simultaneously called Kaliningrad Russia's Achilles' heel on X.

"Practically a Declaration of War"

However, Donahue's comments have been perceived as a threat in Russia, and Russian politician Sergei Muratov, who sits on the parliamentary committee for defense and security, argues that it is practically a declaration of war.

"Kaliningrad is Russian territory, and such threats are practically a declaration of war," he told East 2 West, according to Fox News.

Muratov also stated that a full-scale war with NATO would be a completely "different discussion" than the war in Ukraine.

"None of them are ready for this."