Putin warns West Russia will use 'all weapons' to defend Kaliningrad

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that Moscow is prepared to use "all weapons," including nuclear arms, to defend its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad if attacked. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, Putin cited NATO drills near Kaliningrad and attempts to arrest Russian ships as escalation, saying a direct attack would inevitably bring the use of all arsenal weapons onto the agenda. He claimed no plans to attack European countries. The warning follows NATO exercises described as defensive, while Putin admitted Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries cost Russia 1% of GDP and knocked out over 100 ships. He dismissed peace talks despite polls showing 59% of Russians favor negotiations.