Putin Raises Nuclear Threat Over Kaliningrad, Says Russia Monitors Arms Factories in Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on the Valdai Discussion Club forum that any direct attack on Russia or its Kaliningrad exclave would immediately prompt the use of all of Moscow's weapons, including nuclear ones. Speaking to this, Putin said, "If it comes to a direct attack on Russia, on Kaliningrad, the question of using all the weapons we have will immediately arise."

He claimed that Russia monitors European factories producing weapons for Ukraine. Putin reiterated that Moscow has no intention of attacking Europe, despite increasing drone incursions, airspace violations, and sabotage campaigns across the EU. In September 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which it has rejected every attempt for a cease-fire or direct meeting.

His statements contrast with the increasing threats from Moscow against NATO and its allies. On September 28, Russia's embassy in Belgium delivered a position to NATO's International Secretariat and Belgium's Foreign Ministry, warning of Moscow's readiness to deploy its entire arsenal if NATO tries to isolate Kaliningrad. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart condemned Moscow's "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."

Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave wedged between Lithuania and Poland, is connected to Russia only by sea. It is Russia's only ice-free Baltic port, which could be crucial due to Western sanctions against Russia and its shadow fleet vessels. The exclave also hosts the headquarters of the Baltic Fleet and Iskander missiles with a range of around 500 kilometers.