Nuclear Warning from Russia to NATO

Russia warned that it could use all the means at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, if NATO countries made any attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country.

According to Reuters, in the document it sent to NATO, Moscow accused the Alliance of following a "dangerous and reckless course" that increased the risk of direct armed conflict.

In the document sent by Russia to NATO, it was stated that "If NATO countries make any attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country, Russia will be ready to use all the forces and means at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory."

Located between Poland and Lithuania, Kaliningrad hosts important military elements as well as the main base of Russia's Baltic Fleet.

NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that Russia sent the document in question to the Alliance. In its response to Moscow, NATO stated that it was a defensive alliance and said, "We strongly condemn threats to use force, including irresponsible statements regarding nuclear weapons."

There was also a call for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and avoid "reckless behavior" towards NATO countries.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to "Stop nuclear threats". While Rutte said that he did not see the risk of a nuclear attack as high, a senior European defense official speaking to Reuters made a different assessment:

"This is the first time we've seen Russia threaten us in this way since the Cold War. So this is serious."