Putin says Russia could use all weapons after a direct attack

The Big Picture

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would consider using all weapons at its disposal if it came under a direct attack, naming Kaliningrad and potentially other Russian territories. His comments prompted NATO to condemn what it called irresponsible nuclear rhetoric as Russia continued its war in Ukraine and intensified attacks on Kyiv.

Putin framed the warning as a response to what he said were statements by Western and European politicians about preparing for a possible war with Russia in 2029 or 2030. He said Russia did not intend to attack anyone, including in 2029, 2030 or 2050, but would respond to aggression.

What Happened

Asked about Moscow's warnings over Kaliningrad, Putin said Russia had issued a statement and sent letters to some embassies. He said that if there were a direct attack on the Russian Federation, including Kaliningrad or other territories, the use of all weapons available to Russia would immediately be on the agenda.

Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, separated from the rest of Russia and bordering NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Putin said Russia was not making a threat, but responding to attempts to threaten it.

He also said NATO's capabilities exceeded Russia's and that Moscow would have relatively few ways to counter a direct threat other than what he called its competitive advantages. Putin said the prospect of nuclear weapons use would become serious only if NATO's threats against Russia were serious.

Putin sought to lower the temperature on one issue, saying he did not think Russia would strike the territory of countries supplying weapons to Ukraine. But he described those weapons supplies as a threat that Moscow was monitoring closely.

What Each Side Is Saying

NATO confirmed that Russia sent it a non-paper, a diplomatic document that is not formally attributed, concerning Kaliningrad. NATO said it responded by noting that the alliance is defensive and that none of its activities or exercises poses a risk to any part of Russian territory.

"We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric," NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said, according to the Guardian. The alliance called on Russia to end its unprovoked war in Ukraine.

Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, separately said Europe was waging war against Russia by supplying weapons to Ukraine that were then used to strike Russian territory. In remarks reported by the BBC, Lavrov acknowledged Russia's use of what he called brute force in Ukraine, describing it as the destruction of infrastructure used by a regime he characterized as backed by the West.

Why It Matters

Putin's comments come amid sustained tension between Russia and European governments over the war in Ukraine, military aid to Kyiv and reports of suspected Russian hybrid activity in Europe. Western officials have accused Moscow of carrying out or supporting cyberattacks, sabotage and airspace violations, allegations Russia disputes.

The BBC reported that Russia has shown no sign of ending its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year. Moscow continues to argue that foreign weapons deliveries prolong the conflict, while Ukraine and its allies say the aid is necessary for Kyiv to defend itself against Russia's invasion.

NATO's public response underscored the alliance's effort to reject Moscow's premise that its exercises or posture threaten Russian territory, while also treating the reference to all available weapons as a serious escalation in rhetoric.

Background

The warning coincided with continued Russian attacks on Ukraine. The Guardian reported that Russia has intensified daytime strikes on Kyiv using ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones that Ukrainian forces have struggled to intercept. Kyiv's Taras Shevchenko National University said it would shift to remote work until at least Oct. 16 because of the deteriorating security situation.

In Sumy, Russian glide bombs struck a school, killing two people and injuring six, according to regional governor Oleh Hryhorov. Three children were among those injured, he said.

What Happens Next

Neither Putin's remarks nor NATO's response pointed to an immediate change in military policy. But the exchange adds to a growing confrontation over the security of NATO territory, Russian control of Kaliningrad and continued military support for Ukraine.

For now, Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities and NATO's backing for Ukraine remain at the center of the conflict, even as Moscow and the alliance trade increasingly stark warnings about the risks of a wider confrontation.