Russia threatens nuclear response if NATO isolates Kaliningrad

Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if Kaliningrad — its Baltic exclave surrounded by NATO member states — is cut off from the rest of the country.

In a document sent to NATO, Russia said it was "prepared to use all military force and means, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory" if any NATO member attempted to isolate Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia, Reuters reported Wednesday (local time).

The document was classified as a non-paper — an informal communication rather than an official treaty or policy statement.

Russia said in the document that NATO was engaging in "dangerous and reckless behavior" that carried "a high risk of direct armed conflict." The document also stated that Russia would strike NATO members' decision-making centers from the outset of any conflict.

NATO spokesperson Alison Hart said the alliance had responded that "NATO is a defensive alliance and our activities and exercises do not pose a threat to any region of Russia." She added that NATO "strongly condemns threats of force, particularly irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."

Over the past three days, Russia also issued statements through its embassies in three European countries, accusing NATO of stoking tensions through military exercises and operational scenarios involving Kaliningrad.

Kaliningrad borders the Baltic Sea and shares land borders with NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Russia has deployed Iskander missiles there, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Poland and Lithuania are reviewing civilian evacuation scenarios.

European nations have accused Russia of waging a "hybrid war" through sabotage and arson. Russia has denied those accusations and pushed back against Western politicians' claims that it is preparing to attack NATO members.