Kremlin: Nations Parking Nukes Near Russia’s Borders Self-Delusional — It Offers No Security
10:20 GMT 01.10.2026 (Updated: 12:42 GMT 01.10.2026)
© Sputnik / Natalia Seliverstova
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MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Countries that want to deploy nuclear weapons near Russia's borders are mistaken, this does not lead to security but to escalation and increased tension, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
On Europe, Kaliningrad
"Those countries that reassure themselves with the notion of 'let’s deploy nuclear weapons near Russia's borders' are sorely mistaken. NATO will not bring them any security here. On the contrary, this will be a tool that will further lead to escalation and a rise in tensions," Peskov told reporters.
Russia will undoubtedly ensure the security of the Kaliningrad Region, Dmitry Peskov vowed.
On Monday, the Russian Embassy in Belgium said that Russia had warned NATO and the Belgian Foreign Ministry that the alliance's hostile actions near the Kaliningrad region increased the risk of a direct armed clash, allowing Russia to use any weapon at its disposal for defense.
"Kaliningrad is an integral part of Russia. It is our very important westernmost region of Russia. Essentially, the point is that Russia will undoubtedly ensure the security of this region in accordance with its own legislation," Peskov told reporters.
Statements about Russia's readiness to ensure the protection of the Kaliningrad Region should not be perceived as confrontational ones, the official stressed.
"We have heard statements in which the need to resume dialogue is spoken of rather timidly, despite the existing contradictions and disagreements. The manifestation of political will for dialogue is undoubtedly a very positive development, we note and record it," Peskov told reporters, noting that "in no way can they currently influence the pan‑European mainstream of such a vehemently anti‑Russian nature."
Instead of seeking ways to de‑escalate tensions, Europe has opted to hitch its security to NATO, the official said, adding that European states are pressing ahead with rapid militarization.
On Ukraine
Ukraine has not made any progress toward negotiations over the past period, and Europe continues to obstruct the negotiating process, Peskov said.
Last October, speaking at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that Ukraine would find the strength to sit down at the negotiating table, and he also pointed to the growing militarization of Europe.
"It can hardly be said that Ukraine has become closer. Ukraine has not become closer to negotiations. Europe has not become closer to negotiations and continues to hinder the resumption of the negotiation process. That is what can be stated," Peskov told reporters when asked to assesses the change in this dynamic over the past year and whether Ukraine has become closer to negotiations.
The vast majority of European countries have thrown their weight behind Ukraine in this conflict — and they will not escape the consequences, he added.
On Russia-US Relations
Russia's contacts with US representatives at the working level continue, and overall, this is a positive process, Dmitry Peskov said.
Commenting on the working trip to the US by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, the official told reporters that Dmitriev is reporting back to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his contacts with US officials.
"In this case, the contacts continue, the dialogue continues — and this is a very positive process," Peskov said.
The joint implementation of major economic projects would be beneficial for both Russia and the United States, Peskov said.
"[Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries] Kirill Dmitriev continues to discuss economic issues, noting that the implementation of economic projects in various fields, including large‑scale ones, would be of great benefit to both Russia and the United States," Peskov told reporters.
That said, the US ties any restoration of economic ties with Russia to a settlement in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia believes work here could get underway right now, the official added.
On Putin's Valdai Speech
The whole world is eagerly looking forward to Russian President Vladimir Putin's speeches at the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Peskov said.
"The president will traditionally speak [at the meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club]. This is one of several annual speeches by the president that the entire world is looking forward to," Peskov told reporters.
Recalling Putin's Munich speech, the official said that it was mistakenly perceived as confrontational, while in fact, the president spoke about being open to dialogue.
"Everything the president said [in the Munich speech] turned out to be true," Peskov emphasized.
