Kremlin-linked article threatens nuclear strike on Lithuania, then retracted

A Kremlin-affiliated outlet published an article threatening a nuclear strike on Lithuania, causing panic in the Baltics before being retracted hours later for inconsistency with official Russian positions. Putin publicly denied any military plans, but the incident signals heightened rhetoric and potential information warfare. The retraction and denial suggest the threat is not an official policy shift, but the episode underscores regional volatility.