NATO chief warns Russia will face 'devastating' response for using nuclear weapons

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Russia will face "devastating" consequences if it decides to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine amid ongoing joint military exercises with Belarus involving nuclear capabilities.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers set to begin tomorrow in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rutte said the Alliance is closely monitoring the drills, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"They know that if that happens, the reaction will be devastating," Rutte said.

Read also: Ukraine at UN Security Council urges nuclear powers not to ignore Russia-Belarus drills

Commenting on the ongoing exercises, he stressed that NATO is monitoring these drills.

Rutte also stressed that the United States would continue supporting Europe in matters related to nuclear deterrence and defense.

Photo: NATO