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Russia threatens nuclear response if NATO isolates Kaliningrad, alliance rebukes rhetoric
Russia warns NATO of nuclear response if Kaliningrad exclave is isolated
Russia warned NATO in a diplomatic note that it would be ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to isolate Kaliningrad, its Baltic exclave, according to documents seen by Reuters and multiple outlets on Wednesday and Thursday.
The letter accused NATO of a “dangerous and reckless course” that risked “the outbreak of a direct armed conflict,” including potential Russian strikes against alliance decision-making centers. It stated Russia “will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory” should NATO move to cut off Kaliningrad.
NATO responded directly, denouncing “the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” and reiterated that it is a defensive alliance. Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking at the Euronews Defence Summit on Thursday, said: “Stop this irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. This is absolutely not called for and not helpful.” NATO’s written reply, also seen by Reuters, stated that none of its exercises or activities posed a threat to Russian territory and urged Moscow to end its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova amplified the warning in a commentary, stating that figures in NATO states demonstrated “Russophobia” and a readiness for war, and that “if Europe attacks Russia, it will be a completely different sort of war – a very short war.”
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