Russian president says Moscow has no plans to attack Europe, while NATO rejects what it calls irresponsible nuclear threats
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Russia would use every weapon at its disposal, including nuclear arms, if Kaliningrad or another part of Russian territory came under direct attack.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, Putin said Russia did not intend to attack a European country. He described Moscow’s warning as a response to what he characterized as Western pressure and rising military tensions.
Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, separated from the rest of Russia and bordered by NATO members Poland and Lithuania. The region hosts Russian military facilities, including nuclear-capable missiles. Moscow has warned NATO against trying to isolate the territory through an air or naval blockade.
Putin pointed to NATO military exercises in the Baltic region and the reported seizure of Russian vessels as signs of escalation. NATO has said its activities are defensive and do not threaten Russia. The alliance condemned Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric and said it was not targeting Kaliningrad.
Tensions come as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year. European governments have accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of cyberattacks, sabotage and other destabilizing actions. Russia denies those allegations and rejects claims that it is preparing to attack a NATO country.
Putin also acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have affected the country’s economy. He said the attacks had cost Russia about 1% of its gross domestic product. He nevertheless signaled no immediate change in Moscow’s military approach, while saying he preferred an end to the conflict through negotiations.
