Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Friday that any attempt to blockade Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave would trigger an “unprecedented escalation” of the Ukraine conflict, potentially expanding it into a “large-scale armed conflict” across Europe. Speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference and public call-in show, which lasted more than four hours, the Russian President responded to a question about potential threats to Kaliningrad — a strategic Russian territory on the Baltic Sea sandwiched between NATO members Poland and Lithuania.

He said: “I hope that won’t happen. If such threats are made against us, we will eliminate them. Everyone must understand this and realise that actions of this kind will lead to an unprecedented escalation of the conflict, taking it to a completely different level and expanding it into a large-scale armed conflict.”

The remarks underscored Russia’s red lines amid heightened tensions with the West. Kaliningrad, formerly Konigsberg and annexed by the Soviet Union after World War II, relies on land transit through EU countries for supplies. Past EU sanctions have restricted certain goods, fuelling Russian concerns over a possible full blockade.

Putin claimed Russian forces had seized the “strategic initiative” in Ukraine, asserting: “Our troops are advancing all across the line of contact… the enemy is retreating in all sectors.” He predicted further gains by year’s end, boasting that Russia’s army had become “the most combat-ready in the world”.

On peace prospects, Putin praised US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts but reiterated Moscow’s unchanged demands: recognition of Russian control over Crimea and four eastern Ukrainian regions, Ukraine’s demilitarisation, neutrality and abandonment of NATO aspirations.

“Russia is ready for a peaceful settlement that would address the root causes of the conflict,” he said, but warned that without concessions from Kyiv, Moscow would achieve its goals militarily.

The conference, a tightly choreographed event blending domestic queries with global affairs, comes as the Ukraine war approaches its fourth year. Russian advances have been slow but steady, while Ukraine faces relentless attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Putin dismissed Western accusations of Russian plans to attack Europe as “sheer nonsense”, singling out NATO rhetoric while noting Trump’s national security strategy does not label Russia a direct adversary.

He also rebuffed suggestions that seizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine amounted to “robbery”, warning it would undermine confidence in the eurozone. EU leaders opted for a large loan via capital markets instead this week.

Troop recruitment remained strong, Putin claimed, with over 400,000 volunteers signing contracts this year. He apologised to a soldier’s widow over delayed pensions, vowing a swift resolution — a typical gesture aimed at showcasing his command of domestic issues.

Lighter moments included a live marriage proposal from a young attendee, which Putin jokingly offered to fund.

Yet the dominant tone was one of defiance. Analysts view the Kaliningrad warning as a deterrent, amid recurring Russian narratives of encirclement. No current NATO plans for a blockade exist, but transit disputes flared in 2022 over sanctions.

As Trump pushes for peace amid conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv, Putin’s comments highlight the fragile brinkmanship overshadowing Europe.