World

Nuclear use if threat to existence: Russia

By AAP Newswire

Mar 23, 2022

An intercontinental ballistic missile lifts off in Russia. — Russia's domestic security rules say nuclear force can be used only if it comes under direct threat. -AP

Russia's security policy dictates the country would only use nuclear weapons if its very existence were threatened, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says.

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The comment, in an interview with CNN on Tuesday, came nearly four weeks after Russia sent its forces into Ukraine and amid Western concern the conflict there could escalate into a nuclear war.

Peskov made the comment in an English-language interview when asked whether he was confident President Vladimir Putin would not use nuclear weapons.

"We have a concept of domestic security and it's public, you can read all the reasons for nuclear arms to be used," he said.

"So if it is an existential threat for our country, then it (the nuclear arsenal) can be used.

"There are no other reasons that were mentioned in that text."

Putin last month ordered Russia's nuclear forces to be put on high alert as he stepped up the invasion of Ukraine.

In line with the order, Russia's defence ministry said on February 28 its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on enhanced combat duty, the Interfax news agency reported.

"The prospect of nuclear conflict, once unthinkable, is now back within the realm of possibility," United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on March 14.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press