Russia formally threatens NATO with nuclear weapons over ‘attempt to isolate Kaliningrad’
Russia sent NATO a diplomatic letter, reviewed by Reuters, warning it is prepared to use 'the full arsenal of forces and means at its disposal, including nuclear weapons' if the alliance increases its military presence near Kaliningrad, its Baltic exclave. The letter accused NATO of a 'dangerous and reckless course' risking direct armed conflict and raised the possibility of Russian strikes on member states' decision-making centers.
NATO responded in writing that no alliance exercise threatens Russian territory and renewed calls for Moscow to end its invasion of Ukraine and its 'irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the warnings as reminders to 'hotheads in Europe,' while a senior European official called the threat 'serious' and the first direct nuclear warning from Russia since the Cold War; a NATO diplomat dismissed it as an intimidation attempt.
The full dispatch is available from the source below.