Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western countries against further escalation over the Ukraine conflict, saying Moscow has no plans to attack European nations but would defend its territory if threatened.
Speaking at the Valdai Forum in Moscow, Putin said Russia would consider using all weapons at its disposal, including nuclear weapons, if its western exclave of Kaliningrad came under direct attack.
Kaliningrad lies between NATO members Poland and Lithuania and has become a focal point of tensions between Moscow and the Western military alliance.
Putin said Russia viewed NATO as a larger military opponent and would rely on what he described as its strategic advantages in any confrontation.
He also warned that continued escalation could lead to a dangerous point of no return, urging the sides to avoid actions that could trigger a broader conflict. NATO, meanwhile, has described itself as a defensive alliance and criticised Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric.
