Putin warns West that Russia is ready to use every weapon to protect Kaliningrad
Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia is prepared to use all available weapons, including nuclear options, to defend the Kaliningrad exclave against perceived Western aggression. The statement comes amid rising tensions and reports of hybrid warfare incidents in the Baltic region.
Why it matters
The rhetoric escalates geopolitical instability in Europe and increases the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Image source, Getty Images By Paul Kirby , Europe digital editor and Alys Davies Published 22 minutes ago Vladimir Putin has said Russia will use all weapons at his disposal if it considers it has come under direct attack in its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.
Addressing the Valdai foreign policy forum, Putin insisted Russia was "not threatening anyone" and merely responding to statements by Western leaders that Moscow was preparing for war in 2029 or 2030.
Throughout this week, Russia has accused Nato of preparing to blockade its territory, which borders Lithuania and Poland, warning that it would even be prepared to use nuclear weapons if the West tried to cut off Kaliningrad from the rest of Russia.
Nato has sought to calm the situation, stressing it is a defensive alliance and urging Moscow to stop its "nuclear threats".
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Russia just threatened the UK with nuclear weapons. Here's what's really happening
‘Fatal point of no return’: Putin warns against use of nukes amid global tensions
Russia issues nuclear warning to NATO as tensions rise in the Baltic
Moscow Sends Nuclear Warning to NATO as Tensions Rise in the Baltic
Russia warns NATO of possible nuclear response if Kaliningrad is cut off
Putin Warns About Using "All Types Of Weapons" If Kaliningrad Is Attacked
Russia warns of nuclear response to any NATO moves on Kaliningrad
Russia threatens nuclear strikes on Nato countries over Kaliningrad - Financial Times
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in