Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons to defend Kaliningrad if members of the military alliance attempt to isolate the western Russian territory from the rest of the country.
The warning was contained in a message sent to NATO and echoed by statements from Russian embassies in Europe.
The Russian Embassy in Ireland said Moscow had information that NATO was preparing an air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad and warned that Russia was prepared to use “all its arsenal, including nuclear weapons” if the region was isolated.
Russia accused European leaders of creating tension by suggesting that Moscow could attack another country or increase destabilisation efforts in Europe through drone attacks and sabotage.
Moscow has rejected those allegations.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that Russia had sent a written message to the alliance.
“We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” Hart said.
She added that NATO was not targeting Kaliningrad and had responded to Russia by stressing that the alliance is defensive and that its military activities and exercises do not pose a threat to Russian territory.
Kaliningrad is surrounded by NATO members Poland and Lithuania and hosts Russia’s main Baltic naval base, along with other military installations.
Russia has also deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles in the region.
NATO countries have conducted several military exercises in the Baltic Sea in recent months, with additional exercises planned for October.
The alliance launched Operation Baltic Sentry last year to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure, including communication cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s warning was a response to what he described as “rampant statements” from Poland and other European countries regarding Kaliningrad.
European leaders and intelligence agencies have warned that Russia is increasing hybrid activities in Europe and could potentially attack another country in the coming years, particularly if Moscow succeeds in its war against Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has also pointed to a rise in incidents involving Russia and urged continued support for Ukraine.
