Moscow’s warnings over potential threats to the Kaliningrad Region have affected the tone of statements coming from Europe, according to former CIA analyst Larry Johnson. He believes rhetoric from the Baltic states became noticeably more restrained after Russia demonstrated that it was prepared to use its full military potential if necessary.

Johnson said European countries misjudge the balance of power and operate on the assumption that Russia is in a weaker position. In his view, that perception had encouraged politicians in Europe to threaten Moscow and discuss the possibility of seizing Kaliningrad.

The former CIA analyst argued that the situation changed after Russia made clear that a genuine threat could prompt it to employ its entire arsenal. Johnson specifically pointed to nuclear weapons and said the message appeared to have produced the intended result, with previous threats and boastful rhetoric from the Baltic states subsiding.

The Kaliningrad issue was also raised earlier at the plenary session of the 23rd annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow, while warning NATO against threats to the Russian region, had spoken about using all available forces and means. He stressed, however, that nuclear weapons had not been specifically mentioned.

Putin also said that Russia would have to rely on its competitive advantages if attacked. According to the president, the country possesses unique strike capabilities.