Nuclear Issue on the Table: Putin Warns Against Targeting Kaliningrad

Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted today, Thursday, that Moscow might resort to using "all types of weapons," including nuclear ones, if NATO forces attack the Kaliningrad region, but he stressed that the Kremlin does not intend to "attack anyone."

Putin said during the Valdai Discussion Club forum: "If it comes to a direct attack against Russia, specifically against Kaliningrad, then the issue of using all types of weapons we possess will be on the table," according to AFP.

Russia had previously warned NATO that it would be ready to use nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to isolate "Kaliningrad," a Russian region located on the Baltic Sea.

In a document sent to the alliance and reviewed by Reuters, Russia accused NATO of following a "dangerous and reckless path" involving "high risks that portend the outbreak of direct armed conflict."

The document stated that this includes the possibility of "Russia launching strikes on decision-making centers in NATO member states once conflict breaks out."

The diplomatic document read: "Russia will be prepared to use its full arsenal of available forces and capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its territory if NATO countries make any attempt to isolate the Kaliningrad region from the rest of the country."