After Kaliningrad Isolation Threat, Russia Warns NATO of 'Nuclear Response'

Russia warned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that it would be ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to isolate Kaliningrad, a Russian region located on the Baltic Sea.

In a document sent to the alliance and reviewed by Reuters, Russia accused NATO of following a "dangerous and reckless path" involving "high risks foreshadowing the outbreak of direct armed conflict."

The document stated that this includes the possibility of "Russia launching strikes on decision-making centers in NATO member states once conflict erupts."

According to the document, classified as unofficial, "Russia will be prepared to use its full arsenal of available forces and capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries make any attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country."

In addition to this secret warning, Russian embassies in at least three European countries issued statements over the past three days accusing the alliance of escalating tensions through military exercises and planning possibilities related to Kaliningrad.

Russia also rejected Western accusations that it poses a threat to Europe.

The embassies noted in their statements that Russia does not intend to attack NATO countries but warned that any aggression against Kaliningrad, a heavily fortified Russian region situated between Poland and Lithuania, would be met with the strongest possible response.

These warnings highlight a sharp escalation in tensions between Russia and European countries, which accuse Moscow of intensifying a war it is waging on the continent by all means, including sabotage and arson.

Russia denies these allegations and rejects repeated statements by Western politicians claiming it is preparing for a potential military attack on one of the alliance's members.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that Russia had sent an unofficial paper to the alliance but did not disclose its content.

She added: "We sent a reply, noting that the alliance is defensive, and none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia. We strongly condemn threats to use force, including irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. We call on Russia to end its unjustified war in Ukraine."