Could Russia's Kaliningrad Threats Trigger a Nuclear Crisis with NATO?

Russia has warned NATO that it could use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempts to isolate the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. President Vladimir Putin has stated that if Russian territory comes under direct attack, the use of "all types of weapons" at Moscow's disposal would immediately be on the agenda. Kaliningrad is heavily militarized but geographically isolated, sitting on the Baltic Sea between NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Its location makes it strategically valuable to Russia, and any move to cut it off would be seen as a major escalation. The threat of nuclear response has raised alarms in NATO capitals, prompting discussions about how to deter Russian aggression without provoking a catastrophic conflict. DW News analyzes the military and diplomatic dimensions of the standoff, including the potential for miscalculation and the role of NATO's defense posture. Experts weigh in on whether Russia's threats are credible and what steps the alliance can take to protect its members while avoiding a nuclear crisis. The segment provides essential context for understanding one of the most dangerous flashpoints in Europe.