Russia officially threatens NATO with nuclear weapons over Kaliningrad Oblast – Reuters
Reuters, citing a document sent by Russia to NATO, has reported that Russia warned it is prepared to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate Kaliningrad Oblast.
Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda
Details: In the document, Moscow accused the alliance of pursuing a "dangerous and reckless course" that carries "high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict".
The document also referred to the possibility of "Russian strikes against decision-making centers in the alliance's member states right from the outset".
"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 diplomatic note quoted by Reuters says.
Meanwhile, a written response from NATO seen by Reuters said that NATO is a defensive alliance obliged to counter threats to its members from all directions.
Quote from NATO: "None of NATO's exercises or activities pose a threat to the territory of the Russian Federation. We call upon the Russian Federation to end its unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We urge the Russian Federation to refrain from increasingly reckless behaviour towards the allies and to cease its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."
Background:
- Lithuania previously described Russia's new threats concerning Kaliningrad as psychological pressure.
- Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski believes NATO should step up military exercises near Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.
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