After the defeat of Nazi Germany at the end of World War II, the territory was ceded to Soviet Russia. Its main city, known in German times as Königsberg, was renamed Kaliningrad — the same name given to the entire area. After the collapse and disintegration of the Soviet Union, Kaliningrad became part of Russia.

According to a Der Spiegel article published in 2010, in 1990 the West German government received a message from the Soviet general Geli Batenin, offering to return Kaliningrad. The offer was never seriously considered by the Bonn government, who saw reunification with the East as its priority.

The Russian language is spoken by more than 95% of Kaliningrad Oblast's population while English is understood by many people. While German culture plays a long historical role in the region, the language is spoken by few.

Still, Kaliningrad remains a source of power projection for the Kremlin into NATO's northern flank and one of the most militarized places in Russia, home to the Baltic Fleet as well as nuclear-capable Iskander missiles and other powerful armaments. The Ukraine war has left a mark on Kaliningrad, Chabounine said.