NATO condemns Russian nuclear rhetoric on Kaliningrad

NATO condemned what it called Russia's “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric” Tuesday after Moscow warned it was prepared to deploy its entire arsenal if the alliance threatened the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said Russia had sent a non-paper to the alliance and that NATO had replied. She said NATO told Moscow the alliance was defensive and that none of its activities or exercises posed a risk to any part of Russia.

“We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” Hart said. “We call on Russia to end its unprovoked war in Ukraine.”

Russia's embassy in Belgium said it had contacted NATO to complain about what it called provocative statements and actions by alliance leaders and member states concerning Kaliningrad.

The embassy said Moscow had warned that such actions increased the risk of direct armed conflict. It said Russia had the means to repel potential aggression and was ready to deploy its entire arsenal to defend its territory if NATO countries tried to isolate Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia.

The exchange came as NATO accused the Kremlin of intensifying sabotage and interference against Ukraine's backers to try to deter support for Kyiv. Hart said Russia's use of hybrid tactics was a sign of desperation and said NATO would not be dissuaded from supporting Ukraine.

Russia and NATO have largely cut ties since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.