Russia Tells NATO It Is Ready to Use Nuclear Weapons If Kaliningrad Is Isolated
Russia has issued a formal Kaliningrad nuclear warning to NATO, saying it would be ready to use nuclear weapons if alliance members try to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of Russia, according to a diplomatic note seen by Reuters and reported on Sept. 30. NATO replied in writing that none of its exercises or activities threaten Russian territory, and told Moscow to stop its nuclear rhetoric. Neither document had been published in full when this was written.
What the Russian note says
The note, which Reuters reported was sent to NATO, says Russia would be ready to use the full range of its forces, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory should NATO countries attempt to cut off Kaliningrad. It accuses the alliance of a "dangerous and reckless course" that carries...