Russia warns it could use nuclear weapons if NATO cuts off Kaliningrad

Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate Kaliningrad, its heavily militarised exclave on the Baltic Sea.

According to Al Jazeera, a diplomatic document sent to NATO, Moscow claimed it had “information that NATO is preparing an air and naval blockade of Kaliningra.”

Russia said it was prepared to use its entire military arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend the territory if NATO countries attempted to cut it off from the rest of Russia.

NATO rejected Moscow’s claims and said its activities do not threaten Russian territory.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte said NATO remained a defensive alliance and urged Russia to “stop the nuclear threats”.

He also said Russian President Vladimir Putin “knows that he can never win” a direct confrontation with NATO.

Kaliningrad sits between NATO members Poland and Lithuania and hosts Russia’s Baltic Fleet and nuclear-capable Iskander missiles.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Baltic region following alleged Russian airspace incursions and other military incidents.

Poland has recently strengthened its air defences, while Denmark reported an encounter involving a Russian warship and Danish military helicopter.