Kremlin gives reasons for adjustment in Russia's nuclear policy
Adjusting the basic principles of state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence became necessary due to the escalation of tensions along Russia's borders and the involvement of nuclear powers in the Ukrainian conflict, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin.
“It is obvious that such factors as the development of the international situation, the escalation of tensions around our borders, the entry of nuclear powers into the Ukrainian conflict, the gradual approach of NATO's military infrastructure to Russia's borders, all this makes it necessary to make the necessary adjustments to both the nuclear doctrine and the basic principles of state policy in the sphere of nuclear deterrence,” Peskov stressed.
However, Mr. Peskov noted that the direct application of the doctrine and the timing of its application would be “the prerogative of the Russian military.” “Rather, this is the prerogative of our experts, our military. They closely monitor what weapons are used and how they are used. They are the ones who record the direct involvement of the countries of the Western collective in the conflict around Ukraine. Our experts will always closely monitor this,” Mr. Peskov said.
According to Mr. Peskov, the updated version of Russia's nuclear doctrine has been completed and is currently going through the necessary procedures to become law.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it does not want nuclear war, but will use such weapons in case its national sovereignty is threatened./.