KALININGRAD, September 29. /TASS/. Russia’s warning to NATO about the risk of armed conflict in the event of a blockade of the Kaliningrad Region constitutes a long-term initiative aimed at mutual security, Yevgeny Mishin, a member of the Kaliningrad Region’s Legislative Assembly and deputy chairman of its committee on international and interregional relations, security, and law and order, told TASS.

Earlier, the Russian embassy in Belgium, which oversees diplomatic contacts with NATO, said it had warned the alliance of the heightened risk of a direct armed confrontation should it pursue what Moscow considers an irresponsible policy toward the Kaliningrad Region. The embassy also stated that Russia was prepared to use its entire arsenal to defend its territory against any attempt by NATO countries to blockade the region.

"We are proposing a long-term mutual security program for both European countries and the Russian region. The Kaliningrad Region is an integral part of Russia, and we possess all the necessary weaponry to respond, as our president has stated," Mishin said.

"I would prefer to avoid loud or harsh rhetoric. However, anyone who takes responsibility for their words and makes militaristic or aggressive statements directed at the Kaliningrad Region must clearly understand that every such action or statement will elicit a response," the lawmaker added.

The Kaliningrad Region is a Russian semi-exclave separated from the country’s mainland by the territories of European Union and NATO member states. Rhetoric concerning potential measures against the region has intensified in recent months, with some foreign media outlets discussing the possibility of an economic or territorial blockade.

During his annual year-end question-and-answer session, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would eliminate any threats to the Kaliningrad Region should they arise, while expressing hope that no such situation would occur. He also warned that an attempt to blockade the region could lead to a large-scale armed conflict.