The strained relationship between NATO and Russia has reached a new level of tension with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressing concerns over the potential deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine.

Lavrov stated that Russia perceives the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine as a "nuclear threat" due to the aircraft's capability to carry nuclear weapons. He emphasized that no assurances would alleviate these concerns, as the Russian military would not be able to determine whether each specific aircraft is equipped to deliver nuclear weapons or not.

Lavrov's comments came in response to Ukraine signing a memorandum with 11 partner states during the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. This coalition, comprised of several Western nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, agreed to initiate training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters.

While Ukraine has not yet received any F-16 jets, they have been assured by the US that the provision of these aircraft remains a priority. The promised delivery of fighter jets by Western countries has been criticized by Russian authorities as an "unacceptable escalation."

Moscow argues that such aid not only exacerbates the conflict but also heightens the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO powers.

The Kremlin has long accused the West of provoking conflicts through NATO expansion and the deployment of weapon systems in close proximity to Russian territories. Moreover, Russia has made it clear that any attack on its territory could provoke a nuclear response.

President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the possibility of using nuclear weapons, warning that Western interference would result in "unprecedented consequences." Putin's order to put the country's nuclear deterrence forces on high alert raised concerns about a potential nuclear war.

The United States, as the world's second-largest nuclear power, strongly condemned Putin's order, describing it as "totally unacceptable." It is important to note that Russia possesses the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world, estimated at 6,257 warheads.

Moscow retains the right to use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or the use of weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies, or if the existence of the Russian state is threatened.

As tensions between NATO and Russia continue to escalate, the deployment of F-16 fighters to Ukraine adds fuel to the fire. Russia's concerns over the aircraft's capability to carry nuclear weapons heighten the risk of a potential nuclear conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.