Putin warns of all weapons in response to attack on Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Valdai forum on October 1 that a direct attack on Russia, including its Kaliningrad exclave, would immediately raise the question of using all weapons at the country’s disposal. His remarks included a nuclear threat, though he presented the possible use of weapons as a response to an attack, not as a planned first move. Putin said Russia did not intend to attack other countries in 2029, 2030 or 2050, but would respond if attacked. He said his comments were prompted by statements from European politicians about the possibility of preparing for a war with Russia in 2029 or 2030. The sources do not identify the specific statements he was referring to. Kaliningrad lies between Lithuania and Poland, both members of NATO, and is separated from Russia by land. Russian officials have accused NATO of preparing to blockade or isolate the territory. The supplied accounts do not establish that NATO has such a plan. Putin framed his warning as a response to that alleged threat, but the full circumstances that would prompt action were not detailed.