Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian TV host and ally of President Vladimir Putin, has made a stark threat of nuclear retaliation against NATO countries.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in late February 2022.
Kremlin officials and media figures have increasingly suggested the use of nuclear weapons against Western nations supporting Ukraine.
This is reported by Newsweek.
Putin previously suspended Russia's participation in the New START Treaty with the U.S. and announced plans to build nuclear weapon storage facilities in Belarus.
Solovyov's comments were a response to NATO's Lithuanian leadership suggesting a blockade of Kaliningrad, a key Russian port city, in the event of a Russia-NATO conflict. He expressed disbelief at the idea of a blockade, stating Russia would respond with nuclear weapons immediately, dismissing any opposition to such actions.
These remarks follow similar threats from retired Russian colonel Mikhail Khodaryonok against NATO members on the Baltic Sea and Sweden. Khodaryonok warned of potential nuclear attacks on Stockholm and Tallinn, and the possibility of mining the Baltic Sea extensively.
NATO's Article 5 states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, implying that any Russian aggression could lead to a broader international conflict. NATO officials have not yet commented on these statements.
This situation highlights the escalating rhetoric and the potential for a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with broader implications for global security.
