A Russian Neighbor Took a Step Toward Allowing Nuclear Weapons There. Moscow Warns of ‘Significant Escalation.’

Russia warned Lithuania that following through on preliminary steps toward allowing nuclear weapons in its country would be considered "another significant escalation."

The threat came after the Lithuanian parliament voted in favor of lifting a constitutional ban on nuclear weapons in its territory. The definitive vote will take place in January.

Lithuania, a member of NATO, shares a border with Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea that has been at the center of renewed tensions between Moscow and the trans-Atlantic alliance.

In fact, Russia warned last week that is ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance seeks to cut off Kaliningrad. A document accuses the alliance of going through a "dangerous and reckless course" that puts the sides at "high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict," according to Reuters. It also threats with "Russian strikes against decision-making centers in the alliance's member states right from the outset".

"Russia will be ready to use the entire arsenal of forces and capabilities at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, in order to defend its territory should NATO countries undertake any attempt aimed at isolating the Kaliningrad Region from the ​rest of the country," the document added.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reacted to the message, saying "we are a defensive alliance" and called on Moscow to "stop the nuclear threats." "This is absolutely not called for and not helpful," he added.

In a document of its own, NATO said its none of its "exercises or activities pose a threat to the territory of the Russian Federation".

Lithuania has also called on the U.S. to establish a permanent military base in the country, with President Donald Trump saying he would consider it. "They are friends of mine. They are great people, so we will certainly look at it," Trump said on Monday.

Elsewhere, France tested an updated nuclear-capable missile. The exercise involved a submarine-launched ballistic missile capable to carrying a nuclear head, Paris' defense ministry said on Tuesday. It was not equipped with a nuclear warhead.

"Today we are stronger. The message has been sent loud and clear for wherever it must be received," Macron said in a social media publication showing him watching the launch. "Our nuclear dissuasion protects us and will continue to do so."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted to the developments, saying that none of them "will contribute to stability and predictability on the European continent."

"On the contrary, they will, to our regret, mark yet another significant escalation of tensions. As for Russia, of course, Moscow will be forced to take all necessary measures to guarantee its own security," Peskov said.