MOSCOW: Russia has warned NATO that it could resort to nuclear weapons if the Western alliance attempts to isolate Kaliningrad from the rest of Russian territory, according to a diplomatic document seen by Reuters.
In the document sent to NATO, Moscow accused the alliance of pursuing what it described as a “dangerous and reckless course” that could increase the risk of a direct armed conflict.
Russia also warned that it could launch strikes against decision-making centres in NATO member states at the outset of any conflict.
The diplomatic note stated that Russia would be prepared to use its available military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend Kaliningrad if NATO countries attempted to isolate the region.
Kaliningrad is a heavily militarised Russian exclave located between NATO members Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Sea. The territory is slightly larger than the US state of Connecticut.
In a written response seen by Reuters, NATO said it was a defensive alliance committed to addressing threats against its members from all directions.
“NATO’s exercises and activities do not pose a threat to the territory of the Russian Federation,” the alliance said.
NATO also called on Russia to end its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and urged Moscow to refrain from what it described as increasingly reckless behaviour toward NATO members and from “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.”
The exchange highlights continuing tensions between Russia and NATO over security in the Baltic region and the wider conflict in Ukraine.