NATO rejects Russian nuclear threats over Kaliningrad as Rutte urges Patriot supplies for Ukraine

Russian warning over Kaliningrad

Moscow issued a formal diplomatic note to NATO alleging that the alliance is pursuing a reckless policy that creates a direct risk of military conflict. The document warned that Russia is prepared to employ its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if Western allies attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic Sea. Russian embassies in at least three European nations distributed similar warnings regarding Western military exercises. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the communications as a diplomatic reminder for European authorities. In a written response, NATO stated that its military exercises do not threaten Russian territory and called on Moscow to halt its invasion of Ukraine.

NATO response in Brussels

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the Russian warnings on Wednesday during a defence and space summit organised by Euronews in Brussels. Rutte dismissed the likelihood of Russian nuclear strikes against Baltic members or other allies, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware Russia cannot defeat NATO. He affirmed that the alliance will defend every square kilometre of its territory and that any military preparation against Finland, Poland, or the Baltic states would be detected through troop concentrations. Rutte urged Moscow to abandon its nuclear rhetoric.

We are a defensive alliance. Stop threatening the use of nuclear weapons. That is absolutely not needed or helpful.

Air defence and Ukraine aid

Rutte stated that Russian threats and hybrid actions are intended to divide Western allies and weaken support for Ukraine. Drawing on statements by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Rutte argued that hybrid provocations should be met with increased backing for Kyiv rather than hesitation. While assessing that Ukrainian forces perform better on the battlefield than six to twelve months ago, Rutte identified Russian strikes on cities, energy infrastructure, and shortages of air defence interceptors as acute difficulties. He called on European allies holding Patriot systems to transfer surplus missiles to Ukraine ahead of the winter season, noting that long-term production increases will not resolve immediate interceptor shortages. Rutte also remarked that US President Donald Trump remains the sole figure capable of negotiating an end to the conflict.

Hybrid sabotage in the Baltic region

Diplomatic friction coincided with increased concern over suspected Russian sabotage across Eastern Europe. On Tuesday, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian charge d'affaires in Tallinn following findings by the Estonian Internal Security Service regarding an August arson attack at Milrem Robotics. The company produces unmanned vehicles and defence systems supplied to Ukrainian forces. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incident as part of a state-sponsored campaign across the continent, arguing that nuclear and hybrid threats reflect mounting pressure on Moscow.

We do not believe, nobody believes, that he would use it, because that would be geopolitical suicide. China would not accept it, nor India, nor others.

Tsahkna stated that partners such as China and India would reject any nuclear deployment, making Russian threats ineffective.