NATO Does Not Take Russia’s Nuclear Threats Over Kaliningrad Seriously – Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte does not take Russia’s threats to use nuclear weapons over the situation surrounding the Kaliningrad region seriously.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the Euronews Defence & Space Summit 2026 in Brussels on September 30, Suspilne reports.

Journalists asked whether Russia could use nuclear weapons against NATO countries if the Alliance attempted to isolate Kaliningrad.

“I don’t take this too seriously,” Rutte said.

According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin understands that Russia would not be able to defeat NATO in a direct conflict.

Rutte also said that NATO had responded to Russia’s threats. The Alliance emphasized its defensive nature and called on Russia to end its nuclear threats and war against Ukraine.

The statement came after Russia warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the Alliance attempted to isolate the Kaliningrad region.

Moscow accused the Alliance of pursuing a ‘dangerous and reckless course’ that creates a high risk of direct armed conflict.

Russian diplomatic missions in Belgium, the UK, and Ireland said Moscow was ready to use its entire available military arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if NATO countries attempted to isolate the Kaliningrad region.

The Kremlin confirmed this position. Vladimir Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov called the statements by Russian diplomats a “reminder to hotheads in Europe” about Russia’s documents on the use of nuclear weapons.

According to him, Moscow is responding to statements from Poland and other European countries regarding Kaliningrad.

The Russian side also denies that it is preparing to attack European countries. Along with the threats, Moscow claims to have no plans, reasons, or motives to escalate tensions with Europe.

At the same time, Russia considers NATO’s military activity near its borders a threat to its own security.