NATO has dismissed a Russian letter warning of military escalation around Kaliningrad, saying its activities are defensive and do not threaten Russian territory. Moscow's note warned of strikes and even referenced nuclear options if Kaliningrad were isolated. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart condemned the rhetoric as irresponsible and reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to defend all Allied territory and support Ukraine. The exchange appears linked to a mid-August NATO air exercise intended to demonstrate rapid-response capability.
NATO Condemns Russian Threat Near Kaliningrad, Calls Nuclear Rhetoric 'Irresponsible'
FILE PHOTO - A flag with the NATO logo flies in the wind in front of the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (is associated with: «NATO 'strongly denounces' Russian threat of force») Elisa Schu/dpa
NATO has firmly rejected a Russian letter warning of a possible military escalation around the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, saying alliance activities are defensive and do not pose a risk to any part of Russia.
Responding to Moscow’s communication, NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance was acting in a defensive capacity and that "none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia." She added that NATO "strongly denounces the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."
What Moscow Said
The letter from the Russian government, seen by dpa, accused NATO of an "unprecedented escalation of the military-political situation around Russia's region of Kaliningrad accompanied by highly provocative public statements by NATO Allies' officials." It warned of a high risk of direct armed conflict and referenced possible Russian strikes against alliance decision-making centres from the outset of any confrontation.
"Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory, should NATO countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country."
NATO's Response and Wider Context
Hart reiterated NATO's demand that Russia end its unprovoked war in Ukraine and said the alliance would not be deterred from supporting Kyiv. "Russia's use of hybrid tactics is a sign of desperation. But we will not be dissuaded from our support to Ukraine. We have what it takes to defend every inch of Allied territory and remain strong, ready, and able to counter any threat," she said.
Within NATO, officials largely view the letter as a reaction to a NATO air exercise conducted in mid-August. Military sources say the manoeuvres were designed to demonstrate the alliance's ability to control the Kaliningrad exclave if Russia were to mount aggression against NATO territory. Poland's Defence Ministry described the exercise as a demonstration of the alliance's capacity for a rapid response.
While the exchange raises tensions, NATO emphasises its defensive posture and stresses that escalation should be avoided. The alliance called on Russia to refrain from threats and provocative rhetoric that increase the risk of miscalculation or direct confrontation.
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