(Multimedia) Russia reserves right to use nuclear weapons if attacked: Putin – Xinhua

Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

MOSCOW, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) — Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

At a Security Council meeting on nuclear deterrence, Putin mentioned as one of the conditions a situation in which “the enemy, using conventional weapons, poses a critical threat” to Russia’s sovereignty.

At the meeting, Putin called for an update of the foundations of Russian state policy on nuclear deterrence, adding that it must be adapted to current realities.

Mr Putin noted that aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, could be considered a joint attack on the country.

Russia will consider using nuclear weapons if it receives reliable information about the mass launch of aerospace attack weapons, including strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic aircraft and other aircraft, crossing the Russian border, he said.

Mr Putin stressed that all the clarifications made to the current deterrence policy are carefully calibrated and proportionate to the modern military threats and risks facing Russia, and that the country has adopted a “highly responsible” approach to the use of nuclear forces.