“To defend Kaliningrad, we are ready to use nuclear weapons!” This is the strong warning that Russia has issued in a letter sent to NATO through its embassy in Belgium.
Moscow is protesting what it says is an unprecedented escalation of NATO military activity along Russia’s western borders. The letter says the alliance’s military exercises in the Baltic region, held in August 2026, simulate operations to control the Kaliningrad enclave and increase the risk of a direct armed conflict.
Moscow threatens to use the entire military arsenal at its disposal, including the nuclear one.
NATO confirmed Russia’s letter, making it clear that it will defend every inch of territory.
Allison Hart, NATO spokesperson, says:
“We strongly condemn the threat of the use of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. We have the capacity to defend every inch of Alliance territory and remain strong, ready and able to counter any threat.”
Kaliningrad is a Russian enclave located between Poland, Lithuania, and the Baltic Sea with no direct land border with the rest of Russia.
Kaliningrad is not just a piece of Russian territory in the heart of Europe, but has an extraordinary strategic importance for the Russian Federation as it serves as a base for the Russian fleet in the Baltic Sea.