Lithuanian ambassador to Sweden and former foreign minister Linas Linkevičius said on Tuesday that Russia’s Kaliningrad region “would be neutralized” if Moscow challenged NATO in the Baltic Sea. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called his statement “information warfare” and PR.
“After Sweden was integrated into the Alliance, the Baltic Sea became an internal NATO sea. If Russia dares to challenge NATO, Kaliningrad would be “neutralized” first. Russia’s previous false accusations that it is surrounded by NATO are now becoming a reality,” the former Lithuanian foreign minister tweeted on X.
After #Sweden was integrated into the Alliance, the Baltic Sea became an internal #NATO sea. If #Russia dares to challenge NATO, Kaliningrad would be "neutralized" first. Russia's previous false accusations that it is surrounded by NATO are now becoming a reality. pic.twitter.com/f3ftiMO4ED
— Linas Linkevicius (@LinkeviciusL) February 27, 2024
Such assertions by Linkevičius are an element of information warfare and a diplomat has no authority to make such statements, Zakharova told Sputnik Radio.
“Everyone understands that neither this particular person, nor anyone else with a similar position, is competent and does not have the relevant powers, and is well aware of this to make such statements. Again – an element of information warfare, an element of PR, hype, I think, most likely the first one,” the Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman said.
According to her, such statements could be made by heads of state, defence ministers, and foreign ministers.
The Hungarian parliament ratified Sweden’s application to join NATO on Monday, removing the last obstacle for the country to join the alliance. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a historic day.
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