Focus: NATO condemns Russia’s threats over Kaliningrad — ‘Nuclear rhetoric is irresponsible’

BRUSSELS/BERLIN, 29 September /ATSH/ — NATO has firmly pushed back on Russia’s warning of a severe military escalation regarding the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

“NATO is a defensive alliance and none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said on Tuesday, in response to a letter from the Russian government.

In the letter, obtained by the German agency dpa, Moscow accuses NATO of an “unprecedented escalation” of the military-political situation around Kaliningrad, accompanied, in its view, by “highly provocative” statements from officials of the Alliance’s member states.

Russia warned that an attempt by NATO countries to isolate Kaliningrad from the rest of Russian territory could lead to a direct armed conflict.

In the document, Moscow also declares it stands ready to use “the entire arsenal” of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, if it considers its territory threatened.

Russia called on NATO countries to avoid actions that, in its view, could further destabilise the situation and lead to a broad confrontation.

In response, Hart condemned “the threat of the use of force,” including what she described as irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.

She called on Russia to end the war in Ukraine and said NATO would not back away from supporting Ukraine.

“We have what it takes to defend every inch of allied territory and remain strong, ready and able to respond to any threat,” the NATO spokesperson said.

Tensions around Kaliningrad come at a time of growing concerns over security on NATO’s eastern flank and over hybrid activities the alliance attributes to Russia.