Russia-NATO tensions rise over nuclear warning

Days after Russia threatened NATO with a potential nuclear response if Kaliningrad is cut off, foreign policy strategist Sergei Karaganov has escalated his warnings. According to The Daily Mail, Karaganov stated that Moscow would use nuclear weapons and leave little of certain European countries intact if they continue supporting Ukraine. Karaganov told the BBC that if the war persists with American assistance, Russia may be compelled to escalate, ultimately resulting in a European conflict on Ukrainian soil.

Karaganov's threats emerged as Russia demanded European nations cease providing military and financial aid to Kyiv to help resist Russia's ongoing invasion. The strategist acknowledged Russia's heavy casualties during the war but criticized his government for not employing harsher measures. He accused Moscow of intensifying attacks and dismantling Ukraine's capacity to function effectively.

Responding to Russia's nuclear warning, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart strongly denounced the threat of force, including any reckless nuclear rhetoric. She emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance and none of their activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia. Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea surrounded by NATO members Poland and Lithuania, hosts Russia's main Baltic navy base and other military assets.

NATO allies have recently conducted military exercises in the Baltic Sea region, with more planned in October. Operation Baltic Sentry, launched last year, aimed to protect communication cables and pipelines. European leaders and intelligence services have warned that Russia may launch an attack on another country within years, particularly if it achieves victory in Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears desperate, and the most appropriate response is to provide more weapons to Kyiv.