NATO's secretary common mentioned there can be "extreme penalties" if Russia fires nuclear weapons, as President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened. The warning comes as U.S. forces and NATO allies conduct routine army drills in worldwide waters, and as NATO's annual nuclear train is underway over northwestern Europe.
"It might be completely mistaken if I went into the precise means we'll react, however Russia is aware of that there can be extreme penalties," Jens Stoltenberg informed CBS Information aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, a Navy plane service participating within the protection drills. "We're vigilant and able to react if one thing dangerous occurs."
"One thing dangerous" may very well be a "soiled bomb" — an explosive loaded with radioactive materials. Russia claims Ukraine needs to make use of one on the battlefield, though there isn't a proof to assist the allegation. A "soiled bomb" shouldn't be a nuclear bomb, and could be much less dangerous, however through the use of typical explosives to unfold radioactive materials, it's an efficient weapon of terror.
Stoltenberg mentioned the accusation may very well be a strategic tactic from Russia, foreshadowing what it goals to do as a substitute.
"We've seen earlier than that Russia has accused others for doing what they intend to do themselves," he mentioned. "So subsequently, we're sending a powerful message to Moscow that they need to not attempt to use a false pretext as an excuse for escalation of the warfare in Ukraine."
For now, NATO says its greatest weapon is overwhelming deterrence with a show of firepower from fighter jets, helicopters and surveillance. If known as upon, the fighters are able to strike, however solely to defend the alliance and to not provoke Russia, the group insists.
"We do not search battle with Russia," Stoltenberg mentioned. "However in fact, once we see extra threats, once we see a extra harmful world, it is much more essential that we ship a transparent message to any potential adversary that we're able to defend all allies as a result of that is one of the best ways to stop an assault and protect peace."
CBS Information' Holly Williams contributed to this report.