Russia has warned NATO that it is prepared to use nuclear weapons if the Western military alliance attempts to cut off or isolate Kaliningrad with a heavily miltarized Russian exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.
In an informal diplomatic document known as a "non-paper" sent to NATO, Moscow accused the alliance of pursuing a "dangerous and reckless course" that carries high risks of provoking a direct military conflict. The text warned that any aggression targeting Kaliningrad would result in Russia using its full military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, and could trigger immediate strikes against decision-making centers in NATO member states.
In tandem with the private diplomatic warning, Russian embassies across several European capitals issued public statements over recent days. The diplomats accused NATO of escalating regional tensions through military exercises focused on Kaliningrad scenarios, while denying allegations that Russia intends to attack any European nation.
The warning underscores a sharp rise in friction between Moscow and European countries, which have accused Russia of mounting a "hybrid war" involving sabotage and arson on European soil.
Responding to the warnings, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed receipt of the document and rejected Moscow's claims. She emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance whose activities pose no threat to Russian territory.
"We strongly denounce the threat of force including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric" Hart said, calling on Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.
Senior European defense officials characterized the explicit threat as unprecedented since the Cold War while NATO diplomats dismissed the letter as an attempt to intimidate European nations and disrupt support for Ukraine.
