He said: "Anyone who thinks they can control escalation through the use of nuclear weapons is literally playing with fire."
"Escalation is escalation, and nuclear use would be the ultimate escalation."
The Kremlin has not made any direct nuclear threats, and Work did not specify and particular comments. However, numerous references to Russia`s nuclear arsenal in the last few months by Russian officials have increased tensions between East and West
In April, leaked notes from a meeting between US officials and Russian generals revealed that Russia mentioned "a spectrum of responses from nuclear to non-military" if Nato moved more forces into the Baltic states.
In a documentary about the annexation of Crimea aired on Russian TV, President Vladimir Putin was asked by the interviewer if he was prepared to put Russia`s nuclear forces on alert. He said: "We were ready to do it."
In March, the Russian ambassador to Denmark warned that "Danish warships would be targets for Russia`s nuclear weapons" if the country joined Nato`s missile defence programme.
Threats and posturing aside, Russia has taken steps to beef up its nuclear arsenal - speaking at a military expo earlier this month, Putin announced the development of 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles, that would be able to overcome "even the most technically advanced anti-missile defence systems".
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