1 hr ago
Putin Warns of ‘All Weapons’ Response Over Kaliningrad
Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could use all the weapons it has if Kaliningrad were directly attacked.
Kaliningrad is a Russian territory near Poland, Lithuania, and the Baltic Sea.
Russia says it does not plan to attack other countries.
Putin said Russia would respond if it faced aggression.
He criticised NATO military exercises near Kaliningrad.
NATO said Russia’s warnings and nuclear language were irresponsible.
Putin also rejected a proposal for Russia and Ukraine to stop long-range strikes.
He said Russia had lost about one percent of its economy because Ukrainian attacks damaged refineries.
Vladimir Putin warned Russia could use “all types of weapons” if Kaliningrad or other Russian territory faced a direct attack.
Putin said Russia has no intention of attacking any country but would respond to aggression.
He criticised NATO military exercises in the Baltic Sea and alleged attempts to intercept Russian vessels.
NATO has condemned what it called Russia’s threat of force and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.
Putin rejected a proposed Ukraine ceasefire covering long-range strikes, calling the idea “ridiculous.”
- Who
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, NATO member states, and Ukraine are involved in the reported tensions.
- What
- Putin warned of a possible response using all available types of weapons if Kaliningrad faced a direct attack, and rejected a proposed long-range-strikes ceasefire with Ukraine.
- Where
- The warning concerned Kaliningrad, Russia’s exclave between Poland and Lithuania and bordering the Baltic Sea.
- When
- The remarks were made on Thursday at the annual Valdai forum; the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Why
- Putin said NATO military activity and alleged attempts to intercept Russian vessels constituted escalation, while he rejected the ceasefire proposal amid continuing Russian and Ukrainian strikes.
Russia’s Position
NATO and Ukraine-Related Positions
Military activity around Kaliningrad
Russia’s Position
Putin described NATO exercises near Kaliningrad and alleged attempts to intercept Russian vessels as provocative actions and an escalation.
NATO and Ukraine-Related Positions
NATO member states have conducted military exercises in the region, while NATO condemned what it called Russia’s threat of force and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.
Potential response to an attack
Russia’s Position
Putin said Russia does not intend to attack anyone but would be compelled to respond with all available types of weapons if it faced direct aggression.
NATO and Ukraine-Related Positions
NATO has criticised Russia’s threat of force, including its nuclear rhetoric, as irresponsible.
Proposed Ukraine ceasefire
Russia’s Position
Putin rejected a proposal to stop long-range strikes, calling the idea ridiculous and citing Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities.
NATO and Ukraine-Related Positions
The reported proposal would have linked Ukraine stopping attacks on Russian refineries with Russia stopping attacks on Ukrainian ships; the articles do not provide a fuller Ukrainian response.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Location at issue
- Kaliningrad, a heavily militarised Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea
- Warning
- Putin said a direct attack on Russia would put the use of all available types of weapons on the agenda.
- Russia’s stated position
- Putin said Russia has no intention of attacking anyone but would respond to aggression.
- NATO activity
- NATO countries have held military exercises near Kaliningrad, including successive exercises in the Baltic Sea.
- Ukraine ceasefire proposal
- Putin rejected a proposed halt to long-range strikes involving Russian and Ukrainian targets.
- Economic impact cited
- Putin said Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries had cost Russia approximately one percent of its GDP and contributed to fuel shortages.
Quotes
Vladimir Putin
President of Russia speaking at the annual Valdai forum
“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.”
firstpost.com
wionews.com
“However, if we face aggression, we will be compelled to respond. Citizens of European countries need to clearly understand this”
firstpost.com
Sources
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