Putin Threatens to Use "All Types of Weapons" if Kaliningrad is Attacked

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said today, Thursday, that it is impossible to be certain that weapons of mass destruction will never be used, emphasizing the need to prevent such a scenario.

In his speech at the Valdai International Discussion Club in Moscow, Putin said, "Can we be sure that this weapon will never be used? Of course not. We must take that into account and avoid it."

The Russian president also hinted that Moscow might resort to using "all types of weapons," including nuclear ones, if NATO forces attack the Kaliningrad region, but he stressed that the Kremlin does not intend to "attack anyone."

Putin said, "If it comes to a direct attack against Russia, specifically against Kaliningrad, the issue of using all types of weapons we possess will be on the table."

Russia had warned NATO that it would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to isolate Kaliningrad, a Russian region located on the Baltic Sea.

Russia accused the alliance in a document sent to it of following a "dangerous and reckless path" that involves "high risks that threaten to ignite direct armed conflict."

The document mentioned that this includes the possibility of "Russia launching strikes on decision-making centers in the member states of the alliance as soon as the conflict breaks out."

The diplomatic document stated, "Russia will be prepared to use its entire arsenal of available forces and capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries make any attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country."

The warning highlights Russia's deep concern about what it considers an increasing threat from the alliance to Kaliningrad, a heavily fortified military region located between Poland and Lithuania.

The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, stated that the alliance responded to Russia's message by saying, "We are a defensive alliance. Stop the nuclear threats. This is completely unjustified and counterproductive."

The alliance stated in a written response that "none of NATO's activities or exercises pose a threat to the territory of the Russian Federation." It added, "We call on the Russian Federation to end its unjustified total war in Ukraine. We urge it to refrain from increasing reckless behavior towards allies and to stop its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."