Rutte warned Russia of the "devastating consequences" of using nuclear weapons against Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that any attempt by Russia to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine would have “devastating consequences” for Moscow.
He made these remarks at a press conference in Brussels on the eve of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.
Rutte also drew attention to the joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus, which, he said, include elements of nuclear capability. NATO, as the Secretary General emphasized, is closely monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring what is happening,” he said.
He stressed that the Alliance is tracking all actions within these exercises and monitoring potential risks of escalation.
Separately, Rutte noted that the U.S. will continue to be a key guarantor of nuclear security and support for European allies.
According to him, if Russia were to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine, the response would be “devastating for Moscow.”
Russia has launched large-scale nuclear exercises to demonstrate its strength to Ukraine’s allies, increase pressure on NATO, and divert attention from its own failures on the front lines. This is the conclusion reached by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially announced the start of large-scale military exercises involving strategic nuclear forces, which will take place from May 19 to 21, 2026.
Ukraine reacted sharply to the joint nuclear exercises between Russia and Belarus, stating that they violate international treaties and pose a threat to global security. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Moscow is effectively turning Belarus into a nuclear springboard near NATO’s borders.
