Moscow revives nuclear blackmail: Kremlin's security chief points to updated doctrine
Photo: Sergei Shoigu (Getty Images)
Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression by Western countries. This is provided for in last year’s Russian doctrine, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergey Shoigu stated in his interview with TASS.
Shoigu stated that Russia "closely monitors the military preparations of European countries."
He referred to changes to the nuclear doctrine last year, according to which "Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against it or the Republic of Belarus, including with the use of conventional weapons."
Shoigu stated that nuclear deterrence "is carried out against states and military coalitions that consider Russia as a potential adversary, possessing weapons of mass destruction or significant combat potential of general-purpose forces."
According to him, such actions also apply to states that provide their territory and resources for the preparation and implementation of aggression against the Russian Federation.
Agreement between Moscow and Washington
Shoigu’s comments came amid warnings by US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance that Washington may abandon attempts at peaceful settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war if there is no progress on an agreement in the near future.
After taking office in January, Trump radically changed US policy regarding the three-year war, forcing Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire while simultaneously easing pressure on Russia.
Shoigu led Russia’s military department for over ten years. As a result of last year’s government reshuffle, he became the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
According to a poll by the Levada Center, in November 2024, 39% of Russian residents approved the use of nuclear weapons during the war with Ukraine.
