Putin’s nuclear threats no longer work

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Putin Nuclear Threats Lose Effectiveness Amid Escalation

   Russian President Vladimir Putin warns that Moscow is prepared to use all weapons in its arsenal, including nuclear options, to protect the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad and respond to NATO escalation. Analysts indicate these nuclear threats are no longer working as intended. The warnings follow rising tensions in the Baltic region and Lithuania lifting a nuclear arms ban, which the Kremlin claims risks further escalation. Putin maintains that the world faces a dangerous moment and cautions the West against escalating the ongoing standoff over Ukraine.

   Why it matters

   Moscow increasingly utilizes Kaliningrad for anti-NATO scare stories even as Russia loses its grip on the exclave. The ongoing invasion of Ukraine has left Putin isolated internationally, facing a thumping censure vote at the United Nations General Assembly over sham referendums. Long-range Ukrainian strikes continue to batter the Russian economy.

   What is confirmed

   • President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow could use all weapons in its arsenal, including nuclear weapons, to protect the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.
   • A United Nations General Assembly vote condemning Russia's sham referendums annexing chunks of Ukraine passed with 143 votes in favour, 35 abstentions and five against.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia is losing its grip on Kaliningrad despite using the territory for anti-NATO scare stories.

   What to watch next

   • Any military movements or retaliatory actions surrounding the Kaliningrad exclave and the Suwalski Gap
   • Future diplomatic or security developments involving Lithuania and regional nuclear arms bans
   Sources used for this update (43)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
   2. www.thetimes.com.au — Vladimir Putin is increasingly isolated in Russia and abroad. Does he ...
   3. reuters.com — Russia issues nuclear warning to NATO as tensions rise in the Baltic
   4. Fox News — Moscow threatens nuclear response over tiny fortress wedged between US allies as clash fears grow
   5. Al Jazeera — Russia warns NATO of possible nuclear response if Kaliningrad is cut off
   6. The Guardian — Russia continues strikes on Ukraine as Zelenskyy visits frontline – Europe live
   7. BBC — Putin warns West that Russia is ready to use every weapon to protect Kaliningrad
   8. CNN — Putin warns West that Russia is prepared to use ‘all weapons’ to protect Baltic exclave
   9. Newsweek — Putin’s Two Lines That Will Sound Alarms in NATO Capitals
   10. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Why Kaliningrad matters to Putin: The Suwałki Gap vulnerability, Kremlin's nuclear threat and India link
   11. ft.com — Putin’s nuclear threats no longer work
   12. EUobserver — Russia is losing its grip on Kaliningrad, despite using the exclave for anti-Nato scare stories
   confidence 90%