Russia warns NATO of nuclear response to defend Kaliningrad; alliance rejects 'irresponsible rhetoric'

NATO has rejected a Russian warning to the defense alliance as "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." The exchange follows a formal letter from Russia accusing NATO of an "unprecedented escalation" of the military-political situation around the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

"I can confirm that Russia has transmitted an informal letter to NATO and that we have responded," said NATO spokesperson Allison Hart on Tuesday in Brussels.

"We strongly condemn any threat of use of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric," Hart added. She emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance: "None of our exercises or activities pose a threat to any part of Russia."

Russian Letter Accuses NATO of Provocation

The letter, sent via the Russian embassy in Belgium and obtained by the German Press Agency (dpa), accuses NATO of:

• An "unprecedented escalation of the military-political situation around the Russian region of Kaliningrad"
• "Extremely provocative public statements" by representatives of NATO member states

The Russian embassy further complained on social media platform X about "the provocative statements and actions of the leadership of NATO and member states in relation to the Kaliningrad region," citing "the unprecedented reinforcement of the alliance's military activities along our western borders."

Nuclear Threats and Warnings of Direct Conflict

The letter warns of a high risk of direct armed conflict:

"This dangerous and reckless course carries a high risk of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict, in which, from the very beginning of the conflict, Russian strikes on decision-making centers in the member states of the alliance would be possible."

It further states:

"Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory, should NATO states make any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country."

NATO member states are also urged to "refrain from further destabilizing and escalating measures in order to avoid a large-scale confrontation."

NATO Response: Defensive Posture and Support for Ukraine

NATO spokesperson Hart called on Russia to end its unprovoked war in Ukraine, describing Russia's use of hybrid tactics as "a sign of desperation." She stressed that NATO would not be deterred from supporting Ukraine.

"We have all the necessary means to defend every inch of alliance territory," Hart said. "We are strong, ready, and capable of countering any threat."

Context: NATO Air Exercise Near Kaliningrad

Within NATO, the Russian letter is understood to be a reaction to an air exercise conducted in mid-August. According to military sources, the exercise was designed to demonstrate that NATO could, in the event of Russian military aggression against alliance territory, control the Kaliningrad exclave. Poland's Defense Ministry described it as a demonstration of the alliance's rapid response capabilities.

Background on Kaliningrad

• Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave bordering Poland and Lithuania, both NATO member states.
• It has no land connection to mainland Russia.
• The Russian military has stationed fighter jets and Iskander cruise missiles there, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, NATO states have reinforced their military presence along the eastern border—a move regularly criticized by Russia as a threat.

Sources: AFP, dpa