The Russian nuclear threat caused panic - and was removed: "A solution that is easy - and fast as lightning"
The Kremlin mouthpiece, the news agency RIA Novosti, published an opinion column by publicist Alexander Nosovich threatening a blitzkrieg and a nuclear attack on Lithuania, following its intention to allow the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory. The column was removed hours later due to inconsistency with official positions, but caused panic in the Baltic states. Russian President Putin ruled out any plans for a military attack in Europe, but mocked Estonia's statements.
The Russian news agency RIA Novosti, considered a Kremlin mouthpiece, published an unusual opinion column by publicist Alexander Nosovich containing an explicit threat of a blitzkrieg and a nuclear attack on Lithuania. The column was published against the backdrop of the Vilnius parliament's intention to advance a resolution to renounce Lithuania's non-nuclear status and allow the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory. Nosovich called Lithuania a "suicidal, mindless state" and a "small but proud kamikaze," writing that "Russia can afford to forgo deploying ground forces. Only missiles with appropriate warheads. The solution is not just fast, it is fast as lightning." Shortly after publication, the column was removed from the site with a notice that it did not align with the editorial board's opinion and Russia's official policy. The incident caused panic in Lithuania, and a military spokesman in Vilnius issued a calming statement that this was common Russian rhetoric. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed European concerns and ruled out any plans for a military attack in Europe, while accusing Ukraine of a massive drone attack on Moscow during the "elections" to the Russian parliament. Putin mocked the Estonian defense minister's statement, saying: "The circus has already left, but the clowns remain."