Putin Threatens Nuclear Response if Russia Faces Direct Attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow would be prepared to use its entire arsenal, including nuclear weapons, if Russia faces a direct attack or if NATO attempts to cut off the Kaliningrad exclave from the rest of the country. Speaking at the Valdai Club foreign policy forum, Putin said the question of using all available weapons would inevitably and immediately arise in such a scenario.

Putin accused Western nations and European leaders of escalating tensions by discussing preparations for a war with Moscow in the coming years, conducting military drills in the Baltic Sea, and seizing Russian vessels. He described Russia's position not as intimidation but as a response to attempts to intimidate his country. «It's not intimidation, it's a response to an attempt to intimidate us,» Putin said when asked whether Russia and NATO were on the cusp of war or merely trying to frighten each other.

The remarks followed a written warning from Moscow to NATO that Russia would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons to defend Kaliningrad should any alliance members try to isolate the Baltic exclave. Several Russian embassies in Europe issued statements this week claiming Moscow has information that NATO is preparing an air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad and the surrounding region. The Russian Embassy in Ireland said there should be no mistake that Russia would be ready to use all its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries try to isolate the region.

Kaliningrad sits between NATO members Poland and Lithuania and is home to Russia's main Baltic navy base and other military assets. Nuclear-capable Iskander missiles are deployed there. Western military officers have said key military installations in Kaliningrad would likely be a first target should Russia ever attack a NATO ally. NATO allies have conducted military exercises in the Baltic Sea region in recent months, with more planned in October. The alliance launched Operation Baltic Sentry last year to protect communication cables and pipelines.

NATO pushed back firmly against the Russian nuclear rhetoric. Spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that Russia had sent a written message to the U.S.-led military alliance and said NATO strongly denounces the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Hart insisted NATO is not targeting Kaliningrad and noted that the alliance had sent a reply stating that NATO is a defensive alliance and none of its activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the bloc's response to the message was short and concise. «Basically what we said is, 'Hey, listen, we are defensive alliance, and stop the nuclear threat. This is absolutely not called for and not helpful,'» Rutte told Euronews. The NATO response also urged Russia to stop its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, now in its fifth year.

Rutte emphasized that Russia is trying to divide the alliance and distract it from defending Ukraine. «We will not,» he said, adding that the best way to respond is to provide Kyiv with more support. «That's the message. Calm, carry on, keep the support for Ukraine going. That's how we deal with it,» Rutte said.

European leaders and intelligence services have warned that Russia could be ready to strike at another country within a few years, especially if it wins its war on Ukraine. Putin did not specify whether Moscow would use nuclear weapons in a potential conflict but said Russia has arms that no one else has and would determine which to use in case of an attack.

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Caroline Mercer

World News Correspondent

Caroline Mercer covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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