NATO warns of response to Russian nuclear use during drills

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that any Russian use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine would trigger a devastating response from the alliance. Rutte issued the stark warning as Russia and Belarus began three days of major military exercises involving strategic nuclear forces.

The drills, which involve more than 64,000 personnel, strategic missile forces, and nuclear-capable submarines and bombers, are being closely monitored by NATO. Rutte stated the alliance's determination to defend every member is absolute and that any attack would be met with overwhelming force. His comments came during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, which focused on support for Ukraine and regional security.

The ministers discussed the ongoing war, with Rutte emphasizing that continued assistance to Kyiv remains central to NATO's own security. He stated the alliance is working to ensure support for Ukraine is substantial, predictable, and sustainable, pointing to mechanisms like the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List to deliver urgent military aid. Rutte noted that Ukraine's front line is stabilizing and that its forces are demonstrating ingenuity, particularly...