“Reckless nuclear rhetoric”: Stoltenberg responds to Putin's nuclear threats

According to Reuters, Stoltenberg remarked, "What we have seen is a pattern of reckless Russian nuclear rhetoric and messaging, and this fits into that pattern."

He added that NATO has not detected any changes in Russia's nuclear posture that would necessitate a response from the alliance.

Read also: Putin's nuclear doctrine: There will be no nuclear strike

"Every time we have stepped up our support with new types of weapons - battle tanks, long-range fires, or F-16s - the Russians have tried to prevent us. They have not succeeded and this latest example should not prevent NATO allies from supporting Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

• On Wednesday, September 25, Putin proposed several changes to Russia's core state policy regarding nuclear deterrence.