Russia threatens Denmark with nuclear weapons if it tries to join Nato defence shield

[UAE]

Russia threatens Denmark with nuclear weapons if it tries to join Nato defence shield



Russia has threatened to target Denmark’s warships with nuclear weapons if the Scandinavian nation becomes a member of Nato’s missile defence shield.

The Russian ambassador in Copenhagen says Danish warships would become 'targets for Russian nuclear missiles'​

In comments which have been met with anger in Copenhagen, the Russian ambassador to Denmark said a move towards better integration with the Western alliance would make it a “threat to Russia”, and that it would have to accept the consequences.

Mikhail Vanin told the told Jyllands-Posten newspaper: “I do not think that the Danes fully understand the consequences if Denmark joins the US-led missile defence shield. If that happens, Danish warships become targets for Russian nuclear missiles.”

According to a translation by the Copenhagen Post, Vanin added that while such a move would be “Denmark’s decision”, “relations with Russia will be damaged” and it would “lose both money and security”.

The threat comes amid a backdrop of heightened tension across eastern Europe, as last night David Cameron and other EU leaders agreed to extend sanctions against Russia until the terms of a Ukraine ceasefire agreement are met.

And Martin Lidegaard, the Danish foreign minister, denounced the Russian diplomat’s use of threats.

“This is obviously unacceptable,” he said. “Russia knows very well that Nato’s missile defence system is defensive. We disagree with Russia on many important things, but it is important that the tone between us remains as positive as possible.”

British official arriving in Brussels yesterday prepared to put forward Mr Cameron’s plan for a £20 million fund designed to help strengthen democratic institutions across states that could be under immediate threat of intimidation from the Kremlin.

“The long-term interest for the UK is that we see strong and stable states on the borders of Eastern Europe,” one official said. “It is a long-term investment to prevent the next Ukraine.”



In the Baltics, fears of an attack ordered by Vladimir Putin have escalated to the point where Lithuania – which doesn’t even have a land border with mainland Russia – has introduced military conscription.

Between Lithuania and Russia lies Belarus –headed by pro-Russian President Aleksander Lukashenko. It supports Russian bases, which have been bolstering their numbers in recent weeks.

Lithuania’s President Dalia Grybauskaite said it was a “necessity” for the country to pass a bill allowing conscription to bolster its army of just 15,000.

Defence minister Jonas Vytautas Zukas said: “A critical shortage of soldiers prevents us from being properly prepared and poses a real threat to our national sovereignty.”

Russia threatens Denmark with nuclear weapons if it tries to join Nato defence shield - Europe - World - The Independent

 

[jeremy2]

This is just absurd. Russia has no right to threaten any nation with nuclear weapons. I think it's just empty rhetoric aimed at stirring fear as Russia feels threatened by the defense shield being proposed.

 

[Waynefire]

Russia did the same thing during the Cold War if I recall correctly. It is insane that they would be playing these political powerplays at this time.

 

[westmixxin]

It's interesting that Russia is using this tactic over and over. To be honest with you I kind of respect their bullying. I like the fact that they're actually just going straight for the nuclear threat instead of starting unnecessary long wars that cost the country millions and billions of dollars. If only America could threaten nuclear assault before we actually got into this long drawnout war maybe it would never happen.

 

[xTinx]

Denmark can shed off its goody-goody image and start building its defences, what with Russia's arrogant threat and the growing presence of terrorists across the globe. No one can afford to just watch at the sidelines and see who the next victims are. Russia can only threaten other countries for now. But Putin knows only too well that the moment he gets distracted, his efforts to secure Crimea would all be in vain.

 

[vegito12]

I think it is wrong to threaten others, to do as they say and they should first look at their own country and the issues that are happening as they should first solve them and not threaten with a nuclear weapon. It ,is trying to scare others that we will use our weapons if you try to join the US sheild and will ruin relations between us. Maybe they don't want to move into the present, and still want to stay in the past by the way they are saying and need to let them move forward in life.

 

[Gelsemium]

LOL! Come on, so if you join NATO we will nuke you, NATO will nuke us back and it's the end of the world as we know it. Come on, pressure is fine, but nuke thread is absurd indeed.

 

[Redheart]

Strange thing is Russia wants to meddle with the internal affairs of any European nation? They want the Danes to tell them [the Russians] about any plans they make and proceed only if Putin gives them the greenlight? I think Russia's demands this time round are unreasonable. Denmark can do whatever is good for them. They don't need Russia's permission.

 

[Roger_Murderknife]

Ha, Russia is the biggest motivator to join NATO in the world! Maybe Russia just is a conspiracy created by America to pressure countries into joining NATO.

 

[Rowe992]

Russia is sounding more and more like North Korea these days and their constant threats about nuclear strikes are just empty talks unless they are prepared for a nuclear war with the united nations and the EU. Russia needs to focus more on it's economy and social welfare rather than trying to provoke a war.