Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would use “all weapons” in its arsenal, potentially including nuclear weapons, if its territory were directly attacked. 

His comments followed Russian warnings that NATO could try to isolate Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave located between Poland and Lithuania.

NATO rejected the accusations, saying it is a defensive alliance and that its military exercises do not threaten Kaliningrad. 

The exchange comes amid heightened tensions in the Baltic region, where NATO has increased military exercises and Russia has accused Western countries of preparing for a confrontation, the AP has reported.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged continued support for Ukraine while warning that Russia’s nuclear rhetoric should not distract from the ongoing war.