Russia prepared to use ‘all weapons’ to protect Kaliningrad, Putin warns West

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West against escalating the Ukraine conflict, stating Russia is prepared to use "all weapons," including nuclear, if its Kaliningrad exclave is attacked, emphasizing readiness to respond to Western aggression but denying plans to attack European countries.
• Putin's remarks followed NATO military drills near Kaliningrad, which Moscow views as provocative, and he reiterated Russia's threat to retaliate if NATO attempts to blockade the exclave by air or sea.
• Despite acknowledging Ukrainian drone strikes have caused economic damage equivalent to about 1% of Russia's GDP and hit over 100 Russian ships, Putin remains resolute in continuing military operations, blaming Ukraine for targeting civilian infrastructure.
• Putin criticized Ukraine's dependence on Western financial aid, asserting Russia's economy and financial system are stable and secure, while also expressing a preference for resolving the conflict through negotiations.
• Budget documents reveal Russia plans to increase defense spending by 27% to $205 billion in 2027, indicating no intention to scale back its military efforts amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.