What happened
Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons if NATO attempts to isolate Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania. The warning was issued in a diplomatic document, which stated that Russia would use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if NATO members tried to cut off Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia.
Moscow has accused NATO of contributing to an increasingly dangerous confrontation, while NATO has rejected the allegations, saying the alliance is defensive and does not pose a threat to Russia. Experts warn that Kaliningrad is already being used as a hub for hybrid warfare against NATO allies, targeting infrastructure and civilian societies.
The threat has raised concerns among experts, with some arguing that NATO should take the warning seriously and establish clearer consequences for hybrid attacks. Lithuania, which borders Kaliningrad, has rejected Moscow's warning and accused Russia of trying to undermine NATO unity and Western support for Ukraine.
Russia has denied accusations of conducting hybrid warfare against European states and has said it has no intention of attacking NATO countries. However, experts warn that the threat of nuclear attack carries risks, including significant miscalculations and escalations.
