Putin warns Russia will use nuclear arms to defend territory like Kaliningrad

President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Russia would use "all weapons," including nuclear arms, to defend its territory if attacked, specifically citing the Kaliningrad exclave amid rising tensions with NATO. Putin accused the West of escalating tensions through military drills and seizing Russian vessels, framing his remarks as a response to intimidation. NATO rejected the nuclear rhetoric, stating it is a defensive alliance with no plans to target Kaliningrad. The warning follows Russian embassy statements alleging NATO plans a blockade of Kaliningrad, which sits between Poland and Lithuania. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged continued support for Ukraine, dismissing Russian efforts to divide the alliance.