Russia has warned NATO that it would resort to nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate Kaliningrad, the Russian military exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania. This warning raises significant concerns that the heavily militarised territory could become a flashpoint between Moscow and NATO, particularly as experts indicate Russia is already using it to pressure Europe through hybrid warfare tactics targeting civilian infrastructure and systems.

The Russian diplomatic document threatened both nuclear retaliation and strikes against "decision-making centres" in NATO member states if conflict erupts. Kaliningrad hosts significant Russian military assets, including elements of the Baltic Fleet, and NATO has rejected Moscow's claims whilst urging Russia to cease its "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." Foreign policy experts argue Putin is employing nuclear threats repeatedly as a deterrent against Western support for Ukraine, and that Russia is increasingly adopting hybrid warfare strategies rather than conventional military approaches.