NATO warned that the Ukrainian war could escalate into a nuclear confrontation between Moscow and the West, reports Reuters.

Russia must stop this dangerous irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference.

Stoltenberg said there be no doubt about NATO readiness to defend and protect allies from any threat at any time.

Russia must understand that it will never win a nuclear war, he said on the eve of a summit of alliance leaders in Brussels.