Putin warns West that Russia is ready to use every weapon to protect Kaliningrad
Vladimir Putin insists Moscow is "not threatening anyone" and merely responding to statements by Western leaders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West that Russia is prepared to employ all means at its disposal to safeguard the Kaliningrad region, as reported at the Valdai foreign policy forum. Putin emphasized that Russia is not threatening anyone and is merely responding to Western statements regarding potential war preparations in 2029 or 2030.
Throughout the week, Russia has accused NATO of planning a blockade of Kaliningrad, which borders Lithuania and Poland, threatening to use nuclear weapons if the West attempts to isolate the exclave. NATO has sought to ease tensions by asserting its defensive nature and urging Russia to cease its nuclear threats. Western allies have faced a rise in cyber warfare incidents attributed to Russia, particularly in Poland and the Baltics.
Polish officials reported a Russian helicopter entering their territory near Kaliningrad, while Lithuania expressed constant threat concerns due to drones in their airspace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that his country is bracing for more hybrid attacks, including serious ones, following the discovery of an explosive-drugged drone at Leipzig airport in August.
Russian President Putin declared that while he acknowledges the nuclear capabilities of nations like the UK and France, Russia's arsenal surpasses theirs. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte firmly stated that NATO's exercises and activities do not pose a threat to Moscow, dismissing Putin's concerns as unhelpful.
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