Moscow Sends Nuclear Warning to NATO as Tensions Rise in the Baltic
Russia sent NATO a document, seen by Reuters, warning that it would be ready to use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if the alliance attempted to isolate the Kaliningrad region. The note accused NATO of a "dangerous and reckless course" carrying risks of direct armed conflict, and said Russian strikes against decision-making centres in member states were possible from the outset. NATO replied in writing that none of its exercises or activities threaten Russian territory, called on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine and to cease its nuclear rhetoric, while Russian embassies in at least three European countries issued statements accusing NATO of escalating tensions over Kaliningrad.
Why it matters: The exchange places nuclear signalling over the Kaliningrad exclave within the briefing's European security theme, at a point when Russia's relations with European governments have sharply worsened.