Brussels, 30 September, 2026 (Ghufran): Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the Western alliance attempts to isolate Kaliningrad, the heavily militarised Russian exclave located between Poland and Lithuania. In a diplomatic note sent to NATO and seen by Reuters, Moscow accused the alliance of pursuing a “dangerous and reckless course” that could create a high risk of direct armed conflict, including possible Russian strikes against decision-making centres in NATO member states from the outset. Russia said it would be prepared to use its full range of forces and capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries attempted to cut off Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia. NATO, in a written response seen by Reuters, said it was a defensive alliance and that none of its exercises or activities posed a threat to Russian territory. NATO also urged Russia to end its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and refrain from what it described as increasingly reckless behaviour and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Nuclear analyst and former Russian diplomat Nikolai Sokov said the warning reflected growing concerns over Western military support for Ukraine, sanctions against Moscow, maritime activity, military exercises and intelligence flights near Kaliningrad. He warned of a risk of miscalculation between Russia and European countries. Russian embassies in several European countries have also accused NATO of escalating tensions through military exercises and scenarios involving Kaliningrad, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the statements as diplomatic reminders to European countries. European governments have accused Russia of conducting a “hybrid war” through actions including sabotage and arson, allegations Moscow denies, while Russia has also rejected claims that it is preparing to attack a NATO member. A NATO diplomat described the Russian warning as an attempt to intimidate European countries, while a senior European defence official said the threat was serious and marked an unusually sharp warning since the Cold War.