Putin warns Russia will deploy full arsenal if territory attacked

President Vladimir Putin restated Russia's defensive posture on Thursday, asserting that Moscow would respond to any attack on its territory with its complete military arsenal. Speaking at a foreign policy forum, Putin maintained that Russia harbors no intention of initiating attacks against European countries, but will not hesitate to employ all means at its disposal if provoked.

Putin accused Western and European nations of deliberately escalating tensions by discussing military preparedness against Russia, conducting naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, and seizing Russian vessels. He characterised such actions as a deliberate attempt to provoke conflict and shift blame to Moscow.

Russian diplomatic missions across Europe this week issued coordinated statements claiming to possess intelligence indicating NATO preparations for an air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad, the Russian Baltic exclave. Moscow has previously warned it would consider using nuclear weapons to defend the region if NATO attempted to isolate it from the rest of Russia.

European leaders were accused by Russian officials of "playing a dangerous game" by suggesting Russia might launch military operations against other countries or intensify destabilisation campaigns. The statements reflect mounting geopolitical tensions between Russia and the Western alliance over military positioning and strategic intentions in Eastern Europe.