In the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus, we reserve the right to use nuclear weapons, Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken about the changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine at a Security Council meeting.

 

"We reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus, as part of the Union State, including if the adversary, using conventional weapons, creates a critical threat to our sovereignty. All these issues have been agreed upon with the Belarusian side, with the President of Belarus," said Putin.

 

He also announced that any non-nuclear state's aggression against Russia supported by nuclear powers will be regarded as an attack. The basis for the use of nuclear weapons could now include reports of a mass assault by military aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.