Putin vows 'all weapons' response to Kaliningrad attack amid NATO tensions
Vladimir Putin confirmed at the Valdai Discussion Club that Russia would deploy 'all weapons at its disposal' if its Kaliningrad exclave is attacked, framing this as a defensive response to NATO escalation. While he denied intentions to strike first, he blamed Western economic instability for shifting focus toward confrontation. Simultaneously, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of growing Russian hybrid attacks across Europe, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged swift retaliation against such threats.