Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s right to use nuclear weapons in response to aggression, particularly if conventional weapons pose a critical threat to the country’s sovereignty.
This statement was made during a Security Council meeting focused on nuclear deterrence, where Putin emphasized the need to update Russia’s state policy to reflect current realities.
Putin noted that Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy is defensive in nature, aiming to prevent aggression against the country and its allies.
He highlighted that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons in scenarios where its sovereignty is threatened, including conventional attacks that jeopardize its existence or ballistic missile attacks.
Putin further stated that aggression by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear state would be considered a joint attack on Russia.
He also emphasized that Russia would consider nuclear retaliation if it receives reliable information about a massive launch of aerospace attack weapons.
These aerospace attacks he said include strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, or hypersonic aircraft crossing its borders.
Russia views nuclear weapons as the ultimate guarantor of its security and sovereignty and has been modernizing its strategic nuclear forces to ensure a retaliatory capability.
Putin assured that Russia’s approach to nuclear deterrence is highly responsible and carefully calibrated to address modern military threats and risks.
