President Vladimir Putin said Russia would use 'all weapons at disposal' in the event of an attack, describing the statement as a warning to any country considering such a move, while European officials discussed possible diesel stock releases.
Key facts
- Putin said Russia would use 'all weapons at disposal' if there were an attack on the country.
- The president framed the remark as a warning to any countries considering an attack on Russia.
- The EU Commission, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain held a call on the possible need to release diesel stocks, an EU official told Reuters.
- Reports said the Trump administration told Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel inventories to ease global fuel prices or face a potential US diesel export ban.
- A Commission spokesperson declined direct comment on the diesel reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would use ‘all weapons at disposal’ in the event of an attack on the country, according to the Guardian’s live coverage of events in Europe. The president said the statement was intended as a warning to any countries that might be considering such a move.
The remark, reported on 1 October 2026, underscored the continuing tensions surrounding Russia and its neighbours. The Guardian presented the comment as a direct warning rather than an announcement of any specific action.
Separately, European officials were weighing energy policy decisions. The EU Commission, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain were holding a call on the possible need to release diesel stocks, an EU official said, as reported by Reuters.
The discussion followed reports that the Trump administration had told Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel inventories to help ease global fuel prices, or face a potential US diesel export ban.
A Commission spokesperson had earlier declined to comment directly on those reports, according to the Guardian. The outlet did not provide further detail on the outcome of the call or on any decisions that may have been taken.
The developments combined a sharp security warning from Moscow with pressure on European governments over fuel supplies, reflecting the overlapping political and economic concerns facing the continent.
Why it matters
A nuclear-armed state publicly signalling it would use all available weapons raises the stakes in an already tense security environment in Europe. At the same time, debate over releasing diesel stocks highlights how energy supplies remain a pressure point in relations between the United States and European governments.
Frequently asked questions
What did Putin actually say?
According to the Guardian, Putin said Russia would use 'all weapons at disposal' if there were an attack on the country, framing the remark as a warning to any countries considering such a move.
Why are European countries discussing diesel stocks?
An EU official told Reuters that the EU Commission, France, Italy, Ireland and Britain held a call on the possible need to release diesel stocks, following reports that the Trump administration pressed Germany and France to draw down emergency inventories or face a potential US diesel export ban.
Did the EU Commission confirm the US diesel reports?
No. The Guardian reported that a Commission spokesperson declined to comment directly on reports about the Trump administration's requests.