Putin warns Russia could use ‘all weapons’ if Kaliningrad is attacked

Putin made the remarks on Thursday, October 1, while speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, as tensions continue between Russia and NATO over the war in Ukraine and security in the Baltic region.

Putin said that if there were a direct attack on Russia, including an attack on Kaliningrad, the question of using all available Russian weapons would inevitably arise.

He also insisted that Russia does not intend to attack any European country, saying Moscow wants peaceful coexistence. However, he warned that Russia would respond if it faced what it considers aggression.

Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, located between Poland and Lithuania, both of which are members of NATO. The territory is strategically important to Moscow and is heavily militarised.

Putin's latest comments followed a Russian diplomatic warning to NATO over what Moscow described as preparations for a possible blockade or isolation of Kaliningrad.

In a document sent to NATO and seen by Reuters, Russia warned that it would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if the Western military alliance attempted to cut off the territory from the rest of Russia. Moscow accused NATO of pursuing what it called a dangerous course that could increase the risk of direct armed conflict.

NATO, however, has rejected the suggestion that its activities pose a threat to Kaliningrad. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance is defensive and described nuclear threats as unhelpful.

The warning comes amid increased military activity in the Baltic region, where NATO members have conducted exercises and strengthened their defences following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Putin also referred to the size of NATO's combined military capabilities, acknowledging that Russia would face a larger alliance in any direct confrontation. He argued that Russia's advanced weapons systems represented a strategic advantage.

The Russian president further warned that the international security situation had reached a dangerous point and called for caution over the use of destructive weapons, saying the consequences of further escalation could become catastrophic.

The remarks do not indicate that Russia has decided to use nuclear weapons. Rather, Putin was describing what Moscow says it would do in the event of a direct attack on Russian territory.

For now, there is no reported NATO military operation to seize or attack Kaliningrad. The dispute remains part of the broader confrontation between Russia and the Western alliance over the war in Ukraine and security in Eastern Europe.