Russia's embassy in the UK has warned that any British or NATO military action against Russian territory would be met with a response using all means at Russia's disposal, including nuclear weapons. The warning came in response to a Sky News mini-series, The Wargame, which explored how a potential conflict between the two nations might unfold.
In the episode, a mock Cabinet chose to launch a strike on a Russian base in Kaliningrad as a retaliatory measure following missile attacks on Britain. The Russian embassy hit back at suggestions that NATO could blockade the region or "de-recognise Russian sovereignty", posting on Telegram.
Embassy's warning on Telegram
The embassy said: "Those advocating plans to blockade or strike Kaliningrad should have no illusions about the consequences. Any British or NATO military action against Russian territory would be met with a response using all means at Russia's disposal, including nuclear weapons."
The statement added that Russia has repeatedly made clear that it neither seeks confrontation with NATO and Europe nor intends to attack them. "But should anyone choose to unleash such a conflict, they must be under no illusion that Russia will respond accordingly," it said.
Threats from Moscow amid NATO concerns
The latest warning comes amid months of threats from the Kremlin towards the UK. Earlier this month, European intelligence chiefs warned of an imminent Russian test of NATO, with one saying a possible attack could come in a matter of "months, not years".
In separate interviews with The Guardian, three European intelligence leaders discussed the potential threat from Moscow. Michal Koudelka, the head of the Czech Republic's BIS security service, said that as well as increased drone activity, a small-scale invasion of NATO territory that bordered Russia could be part of the Kremlin's plans.
Koudelka said: "It's possible. It could involve a limited incursion, false-flag provocations, a massive influence campaign," adding that a scenario could play out in a matter of "months, not years" but said "a lot of people are doing everything they can to make sure this doesn't happen".
Further warnings from Polish and Russian officials
The warnings come after Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, said Moscow could launch an attack on NATO territory with drones or missiles in the coming months, in an effort to prove that "article 5 is more theoretical than practical".
This week, a senior Kremlin diplomat warned that Russia could devastate Europe in a "short" war, accusing European leaders of actively preparing for armed conflict with Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists at the UN General Assembly in New York that a war between Europe and Russia risked becoming a "self-fulfilling prophecy".
Lavrov said on Saturday: "We have no intention to fight Europe, to engage in warfare with Europe - that is utter nonsense. But Europe is preparing for war with us. They constantly reiterate that, by 2030 at the latest, we, the Europeans, must be ready for war."
He went on to say: "You know, this could turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy, because they are currently investing huge amounts of money in the production of weapons." He added: "And at some point, some adventurer, and there are many of them in these elites, will say, 'Guys, we've accumulated so much, what do we do with it? ... Oh, we promised to attack Russia.' In that case, if they attack us, because we are not going to... stand idly by."
In what appeared to be a veiled reference to nuclear weapons, Lavrov added: "It will be a completely different war, and it will be short."
