NATO warns. The risk of using nuclear weapons in Europe has increased

- We are entering a period in Europe where the threat of nuclear weapon use has increased. We must take all threats and actions from Russia seriously, not dismiss them as jokes - said Jessica Cox, who heads NATO's nuclear policy.

A high-ranking NATO official was a guest at the Helsinki Security Forum on Saturday.

- The use of nuclear weapons would be a really dangerous scenario, and that for the first time in 70 years, with the aim of changing the course of the war and achieving favorable results - pointed out Cox. - However, we currently see no signs of this, despite the fact that Russian nuclear forces are always at the highest readiness - she added.

According to Cox, it is important to "maintain NATO's nuclear deterrence policy to meet the risk", that is, the potential for Russia to reach for this weapon.

- If Russia wins the war, while simultaneously threatening with nuclear weapons, it would also be a "dangerous lesson" that could be taken advantage of by China or North Korea - she emphasized.

Cox, who previously served as the Director of Arms Control in the US National Security Council, was also asked whether nuclear weapons should not be located in other countries in Europe. She replied that there are currently no such plans, and US warheads have been deployed in appropriate places.

She emphasized that NATO itself does not have a single piece of this kind of weapon, and the arsenals are held by the USA, Great Britain and France.

NATO organizes nuclear deterrence exercises called "Steadfast Noon" every fall. However, the exact date and location have not yet been announced. Last year, they were held in Belgium, over the United Kingdom, and over the North Sea.

According to Cox, Finland, which was admitted to the Alliance in April, could also participate in these maneuvers, even as an observer, but each country voluntarily expresses a desire to participate.