Indicates the type of a location. Location Type Defined by CCTVPLUS Indicates the role that a specific instance of a description takes among all descriptions. Description Role Defined by CCTVPLUS The role in the overall content stream. Part Role Indicates a kind of content rendition. Content Rendition Defined by CCTVPLUS CCTV Newscontent Co.,Ltd. CCTV Newscontent Co.,Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No access Chinese mainland CCTV Newscontent www.cctvplus.com +86-10-83949886 +86-10-63978447 contact@cctvplus.com 2026-10-02T10:26:35Z 2026-10-02T10:26:35Z 2026-10-02 2014-11-06T09:22:45Z China Central Television Russia Politics/Other Oct 1, 2026/File Russia-Kaliningrad/NATO Russia vows to defend Kaliningrad exclave, clarifies stance on nuclear response Russia declared on Thursday that it will ensure the security of its Kaliningrad region, warning that any attempts to exert pressure on the exclave are completely unacceptable. Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, is separated from the Russian mainland and lies between NATO members Poland and Lithuania. It is a strategically important military outpost for Russia, hosting air defense systems, missiles and naval forces. Speaking at the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin clarified speculations regarding a potential nuclear strike in response to a hypothetical NATO blockade of Kaliningrad. He stated that Russia has never publicly declared plans to use nuclear weapons, but emphasized that the country will utilize all available forces and means, reserving the right to determine the specific methods. Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to the Russian President, reiterated on the same day that Kaliningrad is an inalienable part of the Russian Federation, and that any attempts to covet or pressure the region are unacceptable. He added that Russia poses no threat to Europe and has no plans to use nuclear weapons against it, noting that if NATO has no plans to act against Russia, there is no reason for concern. Russian embassies in Britain, Belgium and Ireland have recently posted warnings concerning the Kaliningrad on their Telegram accounts, saying that Russia would use its "entire arsenal" to defend its territory if NATO countries attempted to "blockade" the region. Posts by the Russian embassies in Britain and Ireland explicitly said that this could include the use of nuclear weapons. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded on Wednesday by describing NATO as a "defensive alliance" and condemning what he called Russia's "nuclear threats." According to media reports, Lithuania, Poland, France and other countries conducted exercises in nearby areas in June, including scenarios involving the disruption of railway links to the Kaliningrad region. In August, dozens of military aircraft from NATO countries conducted exercises around the region, simulating the disruption of communications and suppression of air defense systems. Founded in 2004, the Valdai Discussion Club held annual forum this year in Moscow under the theme: "Responsibility for the Future: Limits of the Possible, or Limitless Possibilities?" It gathered around 120 delegates from 40 countries and regions. Nats/Part Mute Moscow, Russia - Oct 1, 2026 (Courtesy of President of Russia website - No access Chinese mainland/Not for sale) 1. Various of Russian President Vladimir Putin attending plenary session of 23rd annual meeting of Valdai Discussion Club; attendees 2. Various of Putin speaking FILE: Kaliningrad, Russia - June 29, 2022 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 3. Various of port scene; cranes in operation; ships; containers FILE: Moscow, Russia - Dec 15, 2021 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 4. Russian national flag FILE: Moscow, Russia - March 1, 2022 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 5. Saint Basil's Cathedral FILE: Moscow, Russia - March 30, 2022 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 6. Various of Saint Basil's Cathedral, Dormition Cathedral in Kremlin FILE: Moscow, Russia - May 9, 2018 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 7. Various of boat sailing on river, Grand Kremlin Palace, traffic FILE: Moscow, Russia - April 5, 2022 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 8. Pedestrians FILE: Brussels, Belgium - April 3, 2024 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 9. Various of NATO flag, headquarters 10. Various of NATO banners; "NATO Star" sculpture