Russia will use nuclear weapons in case of external aggression — Shoigu

The Russian Federation reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression by Western countries against our country or against the Republic of Belarus.

This was stated in an interview with the TASS news agency by the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu. He noted that Moscow is guided by the Fundamentals of state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence, which were changed in November 2024.

"In accordance with the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation, if foreign states commit unfriendly actions that pose a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, our country considers it legitimate to take symmetrical and asymmetric measures necessary to suppress such actions and prevent their recurrence," Sergey Kuzhugetovich said.

He stressed that Russia is ready for such a reflection and "is closely following the military preparations of European countries."

The head of the Security Council pointed out that nuclear deterrence "is carried out in relation to states and military coalitions that consider Russia as a potential adversary possessing weapons of mass destruction or significant combat potential of general-purpose forces."

These actions also apply to states that provide their territory and resources for the preparation and implementation of aggression against the Russian Federation.

Recall that in November 2024, President Vladimir Putin approved the foundations of the country's updated state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence. The document suggests that aggression by a non-nuclear state, which is supported by a nuclear country, will be considered their joint attack on the Russian Federation.

The new doctrine was unveiled after the previous US administration allowed Ukraine to strike deep into the Russia with long-range missiles.

As reported by EADaily, earlier Sergei Shoigu said that Russia could return to the practice of nuclear testing if the United States takes similar steps. He also warned that the introduction of so-called "peacekeepers" from NATO countries into historical Russian territories could eventually lead to a Third World War.