MOSCOW WARNS ALLIANCE OVER KALININGRAD

BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 30 /SRNA-Reuters/ - Russia has warned NATO that it is prepared to use nuclear weapons if the Western alliance attempts to cut off access to the Kaliningrad region.

In a document sent to NATO and seen by Reuters, Moscow accused the alliance of pursuing a "dangerous and reckless course" that carries a "high risk of direct confrontation."

The document also mentions the possibility of "Russian strikes against decision-making centers in member states of the alliance from the very outset of a conflict."

"Russia will be prepared to use the full arsenal of its forces and capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO members make any attempt to isolate Kaliningrad from the rest of the country," the document says.

NATO spokeswoman Alison Hart confirmed that Russia had sent the document to the alliance but did not disclose its contents.

She said a response had been sent, noting that NATO is a defensive alliance and that none of its activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia.

She stressed that NATO strongly condemns threats of force, including irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.

An unnamed senior European official said this was the first time since the Cold War that Russia had issued a threat in this manner and that it should therefore be taken seriously.