Putin Warns Russia Will Use Nuclear Weapons if Kaliningrad Is Attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western nations that Russia would use all available weapons, including nuclear arms, if its Kaliningrad exclave is attacked. He issued the warning at the Valdai forum in Moscow, urging the West not to escalate the Ukraine conflict. Putin stated Russia seeks peace but would immediately deploy its most powerful weapons, making nuclear use unavoidable, in response to a direct attack on its borders or Kaliningrad. He acknowledged NATO's larger size but claimed Russia possesses unique advanced weapons unmatched by others. Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave between NATO members Poland and Lithuania, hosts significant Russian military assets. NATO confirmed receiving the nuclear warning, with Secretary-General Mark Rutte dismissing threats as unhelpful. Putin also expressed readiness for trilateral talks with China and the US.