President Vladimir Putin on Thursday reiterated Moscow’s long-held position that Russia is not planning to attack European countries but will respond to aggression with “all weapons” in its arsenal, reports BritPanorama.
In remarks at a foreign policy forum, Putin accused the West and Europe of escalating tensions by discussing preparations for a war with Moscow, conducting military drills in the Baltic Sea, and seizing Russian vessels. His comments followed a warning from Moscow to NATO that it would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons to defend Kaliningrad if any members of the military alliance attempted to isolate the Baltic exclave from Russia.
Several Russian embassies in Europe issued statements this week, claiming to possess “information that NATO is preparing (an) air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad and (the) Kaliningrad region.” They accused European leaders of “playing a dangerous game” regarding potential Russian attacks or destabilizing actions such as drone strikes and sabotage, dismissing these allegations as absurd.
“There should be no mistake — Russia would be ready to use all its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries try to isolate (the) Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country,” stated the Russian Embassy in Ireland. When asked at the Valdai Club forum whether Russia was on the brink of war with NATO, Putin responded, “It’s not intimidation, it’s a response to an attempt to intimidate us.”
Putin claimed that “everything is written correctly” in the prior warning to NATO and emphasized that any direct attack on the Russian Federation could prompt discussions about the use of “all weapons at the disposal of our country.” While he did not clarify whether nuclear weapons would be deployed, he referenced arms that “no one else has,” indicating a readiness to escalate if attacked.
NATO pushed back against Russian nuclear rhetoric
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed on Wednesday that Russia had sent a written message to the U.S.-led military alliance. “We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” she stated. Hart asserted that NATO is not targeting Kaliningrad and emphasized that its activities are defensive in nature.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that the bloc’s response was “short and concise,” highlighting that their communication included a call to “stop the nuclear threat.” He noted that NATO “is a defensive alliance and none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia,” while also urging Russia to cease its “unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine,” now in its fifth year.
The Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad lies between NATO members Poland and Lithuania and hosts crucial military installations, including nuclear-capable Iskander missiles. Western military analysts suggest these installations would likely be primary targets in the event of a Russian attack on any NATO ally.
NATO allies have conducted military exercises in the Baltic Sea region recently, with more planned for October. Last year, NATO initiated Operation Baltic Sentry to protect communication cables and pipelines. Furthermore, on August 18, NATO carried out an exercise over northern Poland and the Baltic region featuring advanced aircraft, including the EA-37B Compass Call, which can disrupt communications and radar.
Rutte urges continued focus on supporting Ukraine
European leaders and intelligence services have raised concerns that Russia could be poised to strike another country within a few years if it achieves success in Ukraine. Rutte emphasized the need for unity among European nations, stating that Russia aims “to divide us and lose the focus” on supporting Ukraine.
He insisted that the best way to respond is to provide Kyiv with additional support. “That’s the message. Calm, carry on, keep the support for Ukraine going. That’s how we deal with it,” Rutte concluded.
