Trump: Russia Uses Nuclear Threats Over Kaliningrad

US President Donald Trump stated that Russia is using nuclear threats as a deterrent because it cannot hold Kaliningrad with conventional forces, following a Russian note to NATO warning of a potential air and sea blockade of the region. Trump wrote on X on Friday, October 2, that Russia's strategic interest in Kaliningrad stems from its Baltic Sea access, arguing that Moscow resorts to nuclear rhetoric when it cannot defend territory through conventional means. He claimed the area is indefensible in real combat despite its missiles and air defenses. NATO has rejected Russia's warning as "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric," while Lithuania's foreign minister has called on the alliance to attack Kaliningrad if necessary.