Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow could consider using “all types of weapons” if Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave comes under direct attack. At the same time, Putin stressed that Russia has no plans to attack any country. The warning came on Thursday amid growing tensions around Kaliningrad, a heavily militarised Russian territory located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.

Putin Issues Warning Over Attack on Russian Territory

Speaking at the annual Valdai forum, Putin said any direct attack on Russian territory would immediately raise the possibility of Moscow using the weapons available to it. "If it comes to a direct attack on the Russian Federation... then, of course, the question of the Russian Federation deploying all types of weapons at our country's disposal will inevitably and immediately be on the agenda. This is inevitable," AFP quoted Putin as saying. Putin’s comments highlighted the seriousness with which Moscow views any potential military action against Kaliningrad.

Rising Military Activity Around Kaliningrad

The Russian president’s remarks came after several military exercises conducted by NATO countries in recent months near the borders of Kaliningrad. Kaliningrad has strategic importance for Russia because of its location between NATO members Poland and Lithuania. The territory is separated from mainland Russia and has a significant military presence. Moscow has repeatedly criticised NATO military activities in the region, describing them as "provocative statements and actions of the North Atlantic Alliance's leadership and Nato member states".

NATO Condemns Russia’s Military Rhetoric

NATO, meanwhile, has criticised what it described as Russia’s "threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric". The military alliance has remained concerned about Moscow’s warnings involving its weapons capabilities, particularly against the backdrop of wider tensions between Russia and NATO countries.

Putin Accuses NATO of Escalating Tensions

During his speech on Thursday, Putin again criticised military activities in the Baltic region. He referred to what he called "successive military exercises in the Baltic Sea" and also mentioned "attempts to intercept" Russian vessels. "All this constitutes an escalation," Putin said. According to Putin, such activities were contributing to a worsening security environment around the Baltic Sea.

Russia Says It Does Not Plan an Attack

Despite his warning about a possible military response, Putin insisted that Moscow has no intention of launching an attack against another country. He said Russia does not plan to attack any country now or in the coming decades. "We have no intention of attacking anyone - neither in 2029, nor in 2030, nor in 2050," Putin said. He maintained that Russia's military response would only come if the country itself faced aggression. "However, if we face aggression, we will be compelled to respond. Citizens of European countries need to clearly understand this," he added.

Putin Warns of More International Conflicts

Putin also addressed the wider geopolitical situation, saying international conflicts were likely to continue as major changes reshape the global order. He argued that the weakening of what he described as Western hegemony would eventually lead to an improvement in the international situation. However, he acknowledged that the transition could create serious risks and encourage countries to take greater chances.

Call to Avoid Catastrophic Scenarios

The Russian president said the international community must avoid scenarios that could result in catastrophic consequences. "Regardless of which scenario unfolds globally in the coming years, the continuation of international conflicts is, unfortunately, highly likely. This is due in part to the fact that ongoing fundamental shifts — and the opportunities they present — fuel ambitions and a willingness to take risks for the sake of a seemingly massive payoff," Reuters quoted Putin as saying. Putin’s remarks come as military activity and political tensions continue to shape relations between Russia and NATO in the Baltic region. His comments also combine a warning of a potentially broad military response to any attack on Russian territory with Moscow’s repeated assertion that it does not intend to initiate a conflict.