Vladimir Putin has allegedly ordered Russia’s military leaders to abandon restrictions on aerial bombardments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed, as Moscow prepares to intensify attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Mr Zelensky said intelligence intercepted by Kyiv suggested the order was issued in September, with the Russian president reportedly declaring: “There are no rules now.”
The alleged directive coincided with an increase in strikes on hospitals, schools and other civilian targets, according to the Ukrainian leader. Russia is also thought to be preparing further attacks on Ukraine’s largest cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Lviv.
Ukrainian officials have also warned that Russian forces could target nuclear facilities in an attempt to disconnect them from the energy grid and increase pressure on Kyiv to accept Moscow’s demands.
They have suggested that part of Russia’s strategy is to drive more Ukrainians into European countries, where growing anti-immigrant sentiment could create further political pressure.
The claims come as Ukraine steps up attacks on Russian oil refineries, ports and warehouses. Those strikes have contributed to anger among Russian civilians, as fuel shortages and concerns over security grow.
Putin threatens to use “all weapons”
Separately, Mr Putin warned that Russia could use “all weapons” in its arsenal in response to what he described as aggression by European countries.
Speaking at the Valdai Club forum, he accused Western governments of raising tensions by discussing preparations for a possible war with Moscow, holding military exercises in the Baltic Sea and seizing Russian vessels.
His comments followed a warning from Moscow that it would use nuclear weapons to defend Kaliningrad if Nato members attempted to isolate the Russian exclave from the rest of the country.
Asked whether Russia and Nato were nearing a direct conflict or merely trying to intimidate one another, Mr Putin said: “It’s not intimidation, it’s a response to an attempt to intimidate us.”
He added that, in the event of a direct attack on Russia, “the question of Russian Federation using all weapons at the disposal of our country will appear on the agenda”.
Mr Putin did not specify whether that meant nuclear weapons, but said Russia possessed arms that “no one else has” and would decide which to use if attacked.
Several Russian embassies in Europe have claimed that Nato is preparing an air and naval blockade of Kaliningrad. The Russian Embassy in Ireland said Moscow was ready to use its entire arsenal, “including nuclear weapons”, if Nato countries tried to cut off the region.
Nato spokesman Allison Hart said the alliance strongly condemned the threat of force, including what she called “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric”. She said Nato was not targeting Kaliningrad and had told Moscow that its activities and exercises posed no risk to Russian territory.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the alliance’s response as “short and concise”, saying: “We are a defensive alliance, and stop the nuclear threat. This is absolutely not called for and not helpful.”
Kaliningrad lies between Nato members Poland and Lithuania and hosts Russia’s main Baltic naval base, along with other military assets and nuclear-capable Iskander missiles.
European leaders and intelligence services have warned that Russia could be ready to attack another country within a few years, particularly if it wins its war in Ukraine. Mr Rutte said Moscow was seeking to divide Nato and distract attention from support for Kyiv.
