The Kremlin claimed NATO is "at war" with Russia, a statement made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during a propaganda blitz following a drone attack on Poland, according to The Kyiv Independent. This assertion comes as a U.S. official, identified as Kellogg, stated in the Oval Office that the Russian military is not as capable as Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests, specifically asserting that "we would kick their ass" and that Russia lacks the capacity to march on Berlin. Kellogg's comments, shared via X (formerly Twitter) on September 15th, 2025, at approximately 11:46 AM UTC, also indicated that "nobody should be afraid of the Russian military." This assessment directly contrasts with the Kremlin's narrative, which Peskov presented as obvious and requiring no further proof. The timing of these statements suggests a heightened information war alongside ongoing military exercises and reconnaissance activities. In parallel developments, 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. These exercises, which occurred around 11:46 AM UTC on September 15th, 2025, involved a tank nearly hitting an anti-tank mine. The ZAPAD 2025 exercises were also observed by representatives from 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. The flight originated from NATO Sigonella and involved 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 on the same day. 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.
