Putin threatens nuclear response if Kaliningrad comes under attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 1, 2026 that Russia could use nuclear weapons if Kaliningrad came under attack or blockade. He made the statement at a forum in Moscow called the Valdai Discussion Club. Kaliningrad is a small piece of Russian territory on the Baltic Sea, surrounded by NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Russia also sent a formal warning to NATO about a possible nuclear response to any blockade by air or sea. NATO had recently held large military exercises near Kaliningrad, which Moscow called a serious threat. Putin said Russia does not plan to attack any European country and wants to live peacefully with its neighbours. However, he made clear that Russia will defend Kaliningrad with all available weapons if necessary.