Russian president emphasizes nuclear weapons as key to national security During strategic forces training

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that nuclear weapons should be viewed as a last resort for ensuring the country's security.

His remarks came during a training session of Russia's Strategic Deterrence Forces, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"I would like to emphasise that Russia reaffirms its principled stance that the use of nuclear weapons constitutes an extreme, exceptional measure for ensuring state security. We fully recognise that the nuclear triad remains a solid pillar of our country's sovereignty and security. It enables us to achieve strategic deterrence objectives and uphold nuclear parity and the balance of power globally, which are key factors underpinning global stability," Putin declared.

On October 29, the Russian leader conducted the training session at the Kremlin's situation center, where missile launches were planned.

Putin noted that Moscow will continue to modernize its nuclear forces, deploying new missiles that have a higher precision, quicker launch times and increased capabilities to overcome missile defences.

Last month, the Russian leader warned the US and NATO allies that allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied longer-range weapons for strikes deep inside Russia would put NATO at war with his country.

He reinforced the message by announcing a new version of the nuclear doctrine that considers a conventional attack on Russia by a nonnuclear nation that is supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack on his country — a clear warning to the US and other allies of Kyiv.

Putin also declared that the revised document envisages possible nuclear weapons use in case of a massive air attack, holding the door open to a potential nuclear response to any aerial assault — an ambiguity intended to deter the West.

Earlier this year, the Russian military held a joint nuclear exercise with Moscow's ally Belarus, which has hosted some of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons.

By Vafa Guliyeva