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

Russia has told NATO it is ready to use its full arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if the alliance tries to isolate Kaliningrad, a heavily militarized exclave between Poland and Lithuania. In a diplomatic note, Moscow accused NATO of a “dangerous and reckless course” that risks direct armed conflict, including possible Russian strikes on decision-making centers in member states from the start. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said a war with Europe would be “very short.”

NATO and Kremlin Responses

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is defensive and told Russia to stop the nuclear threats. He said Putin knows he can never beat NATO, so he does not take the threat very seriously. NATO also said none of its exercises threaten Russian territory and urged Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the messages reminders for “hotheads in Europe.”

Baltic Tensions and Risk of Miscalculation

Analyst Nikolai Sokov warned that hardliners may be gaining influence and that both sides risk miscalculation, especially if the Baltic is blockaded. Europe accuses Russia of a “hybrid war” of sabotage and arson, which Moscow denies. A senior European defense official said it is the first time since the Cold War that Russia has threatened Europe this way.