Foreign Ministry: Russia has not changed its position on the use of nuclear weapons

Russia has not changed its approach to the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

According to him, Russia’s enemies are speculating on this topic and “trying to attribute the missing intentions to use nuclear weapons in connection with what is happening in Ukraine.” “There has been no change in our approach to this complex and worrying issue for many,” clarified Ryabkov (quote from Interfax).

Ryabkov recalled that in Russia’s military doctrine, the use of nuclear weapons is possible when the very existence of the country is threatened. In case of aggression against the state, conventional armed forces are used, the representative of the Foreign Ministry added. “The document is also public, and there you can find interpretations that are of practical importance. I would not project all this, say, on what is happening in Ukraine and around it, ”said Ryabkov.

Earlier on May 26, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev during a visit to Vietnam toldthat Russia could launch a preemptive strike if Ukraine gets a nuclear weapon. “There are irreversible laws of war. If it comes to nuclear weapons, it will be necessary to launch a preemptive strike,” he said. Medvedev believes that Western countries are not fully aware of the possibility of a nuclear conflict.

In April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declaredthat the country is ready to reduce the risks of nuclear escalation, but believes that “it takes two to tango.” “The task of diplomacy is to search for and develop peaceful, political and diplomatic ways to resolve interstate contradictions and conflicts. Including, of course, in relations between nuclear powers. And this is where the problem arises, which is most accurately described by the already rather hackneyed, but successful expression – “it takes two to tango,” the minister clarified.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly spoken out about the inadmissibility of unleashing a nuclear war. In August 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that in such a conflict “there can be no winners.”