Russia invents 'threat' to Kaliningrad and openly threatens NATO with nuclear weapons
Illustrative photo: Moscow threatens NATO over Kaliningrad (RBC-Ukraine collage)
Russia is prepared to use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if NATO countries block access to the Kaliningrad region, according to a statement by the Russian Embassy in Ireland.
The Russian diplomatic mission stated that accusations that Russia is preparing for a military invasion of European countries or waging a hybrid war are unfounded.
According to the embassy, Moscow allegedly has no plans or motives to worsen relations with Europe.
The statement also claims that discussions about the "Russian threat" are being used by the West to justify increased defense spending and the militarization of the region.
At the same time, Russian diplomats accused NATO of military activity near Russia's borders and conducting military exercises.
They also specifically mentioned the possibility of an air or naval blockade of the Kaliningrad region.
If such a scenario were to materialize, the Russian side threatened a decisive response using all available weapons.
"Russia would be ready to use all its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries try to isolate Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country," the embassy said.
The diplomatic mission also added that in such a scenario, there is a possibility that Russia would carry out "preemptive strikes against centers of decision-making in the Alliance countries already at the early stage of the conflict."
Reaction from NATO to Russia's threats
NATO confirmed that it had received an informal document (non-paper) from Russia regarding the Kaliningrad region and had sent a response emphasizing the Alliance's defensive nature.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart told European Pravda that Russia had sent the Alliance a non-paper and that NATO had responded by emphasizing that it is a defensive alliance whose activities and exercises do not pose a risk to any part of Russia.
The Alliance strongly condemned any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and threats of the use of force. NATO also stressed that the use of hybrid tactics is "a sign of desperation" and will not cause the Alliance to abandon its support for Ukraine or the defense of its territory.
China has repeatedly called for restraint in nuclear rhetoric.
In particular, Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that China would not allow Russia to use nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine and that the most the Kremlin could resort to would be another wave of mobilization.
At the same time, international partners continue to assess escalation risks.
For example, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan suggested that Russia could resort to nuclear weapons as a "last resort" only in the event of critical exhaustion both on the battlefield and on the home front.
