Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will utilize all available weapons if it perceives its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad to be under direct threat. He emphasized that Moscow is not threatening anyone and is merely responding to statements by Western leaders that it is preparing for war in 2029 or 2030. Putin's comments come amid increased tensions between Russia and the West.
Throughout the week, Russia has accused NATO of preparing to blockade its territory, which borders Lithuania and Poland. In response, NATO has sought to calm the situation, stressing that it is a defensive alliance and urging Moscow to cease its nuclear threats. Western allies have faced a surge in hybrid warfare incidents blamed on Russia, particularly in Poland and the Baltics.
Recent incidents have heightened tensions, including a Russian helicopter straying into Polish territory adjacent to Kaliningrad and drones entering Lithuania's airspace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that his country is preparing for further hybrid attacks. Putin made these comments at the Valdai foreign policy forum, where he also discussed international conflicts and the weakening of Western hegemony.
Putin attributed the conflict in Ukraine to Western provocation, arguing that Moscow was forced to defend itself. He also claimed that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian economic targets were a response to Ukraine's strikes on Russia's oil refineries and ships in the Black Sea. Ukraine maintains that it began attacking Russian oil infrastructure because it helped finance the war.
Putin warned that if Kaliningrad comes under Western blockade, Russia would be prepared to use all means and forces, including nuclear. He emphasized that Russia is not threatening anyone but will respond if it faces aggression. Putin also accused NATO of holding naval maneuvers in the Baltic Sea that represent serious threats to Kaliningrad.
Western officials have long feared that Russia may attempt to seize Lithuanian territory by force, using the Suwalki Gap. Lithuania's prime minister has stated that the country has made evacuation plans in case of a Russian invasion. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has clarified that the alliance's exercises and activities pose no threat to Moscow.
Putin also discussed the risks of artificial intelligence and the need to rewrite the rules of warfare. He drew an analogy between a gun on a theater stage and the increasing risk of catastrophic consequences. The Russian leader's comments have added to tensions between Russia and the West, with implications for regional security.
Key points
- Putin warns West that Russia is ready to use all weapons to protect Kaliningrad if it considers the territory to be under direct attack.
- Russia accuses NATO of preparing to blockade its territory, while NATO stresses it is a defensive alliance.
- Putin attributes conflict in Ukraine to Western provocation and warns of consequences if Kaliningrad comes under Western blockade.
