"No Room for Mistakes": Russia Threatens NATO with Nuclear Weapons

Russia issued a stark warning to NATO, stating it would use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate the Kaliningrad exclave. NATO rejected the threats and called on Moscow to cease "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." Lithuania, which borders Kaliningrad, accused Russia of trying to undermine NATO unity.

Russia issued a stark warning to NATO, stating it may use nuclear weapons if alliance members attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad exclave. This was reported on Thursday by Reuters, based on a diplomatic document from Moscow. The threat raises growing concern that the Russian exclave, located between Poland and Lithuania—both NATO members—could become a dangerous flashpoint between Russia and the alliance. The Russian document even raised the possibility of strikes against "decision-making centers" in NATO countries early in a conflict. NATO rejected Moscow's claims and clarified that the alliance is defensive and that none of its exercises or activities threaten Russian territory. The alliance called on Russia to cease "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." Lithuania, which directly borders Kaliningrad, dismissed Moscow's warning and accused Russia of trying to undermine NATO unity and Western support for Ukraine. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance and does not pose a threat to Russia. The article also quotes former U.S. and U.S. military officials analyzing the threat.