Russian Memo to NATO Countries: Nuclear Weapons Ready for Deployment

Russia has issued a severe warning to NATO that it is prepared to deploy its full arsenal, including nuclear weapons, should the Western military alliance attempt to sever access to the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad. This warning was contained in a diplomatic document sent to NATO member states.

The diplomatic memo, sent on Wednesday, claims that Moscow has obtained “information that NATO is preparing an air and sea blockade against Kaliningrad.”

Responding to the threat, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasised that NATO is a defensive alliance. He called on Russia to “stop nuclear threats,” noting that the warning document is entirely unhelpful.

Rutte also dismissed the seriousness of Moscow’s threat. According to him, Putin understands very well that he would never win if a direct escalation of conflict with NATO were to occur.

Bordering Poland and Lithuania, which are NATO members, the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad is situated on the Baltic Sea coast. This region serves as Moscow’s primary military outpost, housing the Russian Baltic Fleet and nuclear-capable Iskander missile systems.

Recent tensions have escalated as Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine has continued for over four and a half years, with the ripples of the conflict spreading to neighbouring countries.

Poland has increased the readiness of its air defence systems following alleged airspace violations in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Danish authorities reported that a Russian warship fired two flares near a Danish military helicopter over the Baltic Sea two weeks ago.