Putin’s Kaliningrad warning: All weapons will be on the table in the event of a direct attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin made statements regarding tensions with Europe, the war in Ukraine, and developments in Gaza at the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club held in Moscow.

While maintaining that Russia has no plans to attack European countries, Putin issued a warning regarding a potential attack on Kaliningrad. The Russian leader said, "If a direct attack on Russia, including Kaliningrad, were to occur, the issue of using all the weapons our country possesses would inevitably and immediately be on the table."

Stating that his remarks should not be seen as a threat, Putin expressed that the statements made by the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding Kaliningrad and the letters sent to certain countries were not "intimidation," but a response to the pressure directed at Moscow. Putin remarked, "We are not scaring anyone."

Accusing European political leaders of creating a dangerous atmosphere of conflict with Russia, Putin said that Russia has no plans to attack any country in 2029, 2030, or 2050. In contrast, he stated that they would be forced to respond in the event of an attack.

Criticizing statements made in some European countries regarding preparations for war with Russia, Putin also characterized exercises in the Baltic Sea and attempts to detain Russian ships as steps that increase tension. Speaking of Russia's military superiority, Putin said, "Today, no one else has the weapons that Russia possesses. This is our advantage."

MESSAGES ON UKRAINE AND GAZA

Touching upon Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries, Putin said these attacks aimed to harm the Russian economy and had partially succeeded. Stating that Moscow has begun targeting facilities important to the Ukrainian economy in response, Putin used the phrase, "We did not start this."

The Russian leader claimed that ships in the Black Sea reported to be carrying military cargo were being targeted, and that secondary explosions on the struck ships indicated the presence of such cargo. Arguing that Ukraine has been attacking Russian tankers and civilian cargo ships since the beginning of June, Putin said that more than 100 ships have been damaged in the process.

Putin stated that if the refinery attacks were to end, Russia could produce more diesel fuel, but that the delivery of petroleum products to the world market is being blocked due to sanctions. Noting that issues could be addressed on the basis of mutual interests, Putin stated that they are in favor of protecting freedom of navigation and the rules of international maritime law.

Evaluating the situation in Gaza at the meeting, Putin described the Palestinian issue as "one of the most dire and sensitive humanitarian issues." Pointing to United Nations resolutions for a long-term solution, Putin said that the establishment of a full-fledged Palestinian state must be the fundamental element of a solution.

Putin also touched upon the Russia-Ukraine negotiations held in Istanbul in 2022, arguing that the parties had reached an agreement at that time. Claiming that Ukraine later abandoned the agreements upon the suggestion of its Western partners, Putin alleged that if the Istanbul agreements had been implemented, the war could have ended long ago.

News Source: 12punto