Russia Warns NATO It Is Ready to Use Nuclear Weapons if Kaliningrad Is Cut Off

Russia has warned NATO that it would be ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to cut off its Kaliningrad exclave, according to Reuters, which reviewed the text of a diplomatic note sent to the alliance on Wednesday.

The document, classified as a “non-paper” — diplomatic jargon for an informal message — accused NATO of a “dangerous and reckless course” carrying “high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict”.

“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 countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad Region from the rest of the country,” the note said. It also raised the possibility of Russian strikes “against decision-making centers in the alliance’s member states right from the outset of the conflict”.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the alliance had received and replied to the note. “We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” she said, adding that NATO is a defensive alliance whose activities pose no risk to Russian territory.

Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said there was no imminent threat to NATO territory and that the threat assessment was unchanged. He also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had shown no interest in negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine.

Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said European arms factories producing weapons for Ukraine were potential military targets, while insisting Russia had no intention of attacking NATO countries.

Sources:

• Reuters: Russia issues nuclear warning to NATO
• Reuters: Rutte says no imminent threat to NATO territory
• Business Day: Russia issues nuclear warning to Nato