A U.S. official, identified as Kellogg, stated in the Oval Office on September 15th, 2025, at approximately 11:46 AM UTC that the Russian military lacks the capabilities suggested by Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting, "we would kick their ass" and that Russia cannot march on Berlin. Kellogg's comments, shared via X (formerly Twitter), also indicated that "nobody should be afraid of the Russian military." This assessment directly contrasts with the Kremlin's narrative, presented by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, claiming NATO is "at war" with Russia following a drone attack on Poland. In parallel, units of the Russian army’s Baltic Fleet Navy repelled a simulated enemy landing on the shores of the Kaliningrad region as part of the ZAPAD 2025 exercises between 11:31 AM and 11:46 AM UTC on September 15th, 2025. The exercises involved a tank driving within millimeters of a TM-62 anti-tank mine near coordinates 54.76692, 19.96182. The ZAPAD 2025 exercises were observed by representatives from approximately 23 states, including the USA, Turkey, and Hungary, near Borisov, Belarus. Earlier on September 15th, 2025, a NATO Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducted aerial reconnaissance over Romania, focusing on the Crimean direction, originating from NATO Sigonella and involving aerial refueling over Romanian territory. Separately, Ukrainian drone manufacturers Vyriy and "Fourth Law" announced the mass production of drones with a new guidance system between 10:31 AM and 10:45 AM UTC. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin had previously commented on American officers observing joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises, stating, "You can look at what interests you." The European Union continues its discussions on stricter visa restrictions for Russian citizens and diplomats, with frontline EU states pushing for a complete ban while others express reservations. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had previously urged NATO to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, a stance met with warnings from Dmitry Medvedev regarding potential conflict escalation.
