Putin warns Russia would use all available means to defend Kaliningrad

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow would use all available weapons, forces and means to defend Kaliningrad if Russia faced aggression against the territory.

Putin made the remarks while speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow, where he addressed speculation about how Russia might respond to a hypothetical NATO blockade of the Russian exclave.

He said Russia had never publicly announced plans to use nuclear weapons, while warning Western countries against escalating the standoff over Ukraine by threatening Kaliningrad.

“We are not threatening anyone, we have no intention of attacking anyone, not in 2029, not in 2030, not in 2050. But if we’re faced with aggression, we will have to respond,” Putin said.

Claims over a possible blockade

Putin accused NATO of preparing to blockade Kaliningrad, although the source material describes the blockade as a hypothetical scenario and does not report that one has taken place.

Kaliningrad is a highly militarised Russian exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania, both NATO members. Putin’s comments focused on what Russia would do if the region came under military pressure.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov separately reiterated that Kaliningrad is an inalienable part of the Russian Federation. He said attempts to covet or pressure the territory were unacceptable.

NATO exercises reported in August

The warnings came amid reported military activity around Kaliningrad. In August, dozens of military aircraft from NATO countries conducted exercises in the area.

The exercises simulated disruptions to communications and the suppression of air-defence systems. Moscow condemned them as provocative statements and actions by NATO leaders and member states.

NATO has described itself as a defensive alliance and called on Moscow to stop making nuclear threats.

Valdai forum

The Valdai Discussion Club held its annual forum in Moscow. The organisation was founded in 2004, and around 120 delegates from 40 countries and regions were represented at this year’s meeting.

Putin’s remarks did not identify which specific weapons, forces or other means Russia would use in response to aggression against Kaliningrad. The source also does not independently verify the claim that NATO is preparing a blockade.