German minister warns against downplaying Russian nuclear threats

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht warned against taking Russia's nuclear threats in the Ukraine war lightly on the sidelines of a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels.

"It is very important that we take the threats made by Russia very seriously and that we adapt accordingly," Lambrecht said.

NATO ministers are due to discuss how to deal with threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The consultations of the so-called nuclear planning group are usually secret.

Lambrecht asked for understanding that these deliberations are taking place in "internal, secret committees."

"But I can say we are prepared," she added.