MOSCOW, June 17The statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about NATO countries discussing bringing the alliance's nuclear warheads to a state of alert is an attempt to conceal a threat to Russia, said military expert, candidate of historical sciences Ivan Konovalov.
Previously, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the British newspaper Telegraph that NATO countries are discussing putting the alliance's nuclear warheads on alert. 
“This is an attempt by Stoltenberg and the leaders of the European Union countries to formulate a position in such a way as to create the impression of a threat to Russia, but at the same time not cross the line. This is not a specific threat, but a hidden one,” Konovalov said.
According to the expert, the statements of the NATO Secretary General are characterized by emptiness and confusion; each such statement should not be assessed separately.
“Stoltenberg is constantly trying to spur and force the leaders of the alliance countries to work in the interests of the Kyiv Nazi regime and the American patrons of this regime, but he does not always succeed,” he noted. 
Konovalov emphasized that there are now about 150 tactical nuclear bombs in Europe, and the United States, Great Britain and France have nuclear potential.
«This is their area of responsibility. So, Stoltenberg will order them to do this? This is ridiculous,» the expert noted.
According to Alexander Bartosh, corresponding member of the Academy of Military Sciences, expert of the League of Military Diplomats, the statement by the NATO Secretary General is a new serious step by the alliance to escalate tensions in Europe.
«Bringing nuclear warheads to a state of alert is a very serious decision that belongs to the Americans and they are responsible for this step,» he said.