Russia Deploys Fighter Jets Equipped with Hypersonic Missiles in Kaliningrad... "24-Hour Emergency Status"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russia announced that it has deployed fighter jets equipped with hypersonic missiles to Kaliningrad, an exclave bordering Poland and Lithuania. This move is interpreted as a protest against Western support for Ukraine, simultaneously pressuring the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As Russia concentrates its forces around Kaliningrad, military tensions in the Baltic Sea region are expected to escalate further.

On the 18th (local time), according to the Russian state-run Interfax news agency, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had deployed three additional MiG-31 fighter jets equipped with the hypersonic missile "Kinzhal" to Kaliningrad. The Ministry emphasized, "These fighter jets have been deployed as part of additional measures for strategic deterrence and will operate on a 24-hour emergency duty basis going forward."

Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave bordering Poland and Lithuania, both EU and NATO member countries. Since Lithuania restricted cargo transport passing through its territory to Kaliningrad as part of the EU's sanctions against Russia in June, military tensions have been rising in the area.

Although Lithuania eventually lifted the cargo transport restrictions due to Russian backlash, Russia has been increasing its military presence by deploying various strategic weapons, thereby pressuring the West. Recently, as the Estonian government halted the issuance of new tourist visas to Russians to strengthen sanctions against Russia, Russia's military pressure is interpreted to have intensified once again.

Earlier, the Finnish Ministry of Defense also stated, "Two Russian MiG-31 fighter jets are suspected of violating Finnish airspace near Porvoo, about 150 km from Russia." As the Russian military continues provocations against countries near the Baltic Sea, concerns about an escalation following the Ukraine war are growing.

Some voices express concern that Russia might deploy nuclear forces in Kaliningrad, threatening the security of not only the Baltic Sea region but the entire EU. Previously, in May, during the phase when Finland and Sweden were pursuing NATO membership, Russia conducted simulated nuclear attack drills with nuclear missile-equipped forces in Kaliningrad.