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Putin: Russia's Use of Nuclear Weapons a 'Last Resort' Measure Amid Joint Drills
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

Putin: Russia's Use of Nuclear Weapons a 'Last Resort' Measure Amid Joint Drills

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Russia and Belarus conducted joint nuclear drills, with President Putin emphasizing nuclear weapons as a deterrent for sovereignty.
  • Putin stated Russia is not engaged in an arms race but is systematically developing its nuclear forces.
  • The drills, involving ballistic and cruise missile launches and training on nuclear weapon use in Belarus, are seen by Russia as necessary due to rising global tensions.

From Moscow's perspective, these joint nuclear exercises with Belarus are a necessary demonstration of strength and a clear signal to the West. President Putin's remarks underscore Russia's commitment to its security and sovereignty, framing nuclear capabilities not as a threat, but as a crucial deterrent against escalating global tensions and potential aggression. The exercises, which include practical missile launches and training on the use of nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, are presented as a planned, systematic enhancement of Russia's nuclear forces, explicitly denying any involvement in an arms race.

Nuclear weapons are a critical factor in deterring and protecting the sovereignty of the two countries, characterizing their use as a measure of last resort.

— Vladimir PutinDuring a video conference while observing joint nuclear exercises with Belarus.

Belarus, under President Lukashenko, aligns with this stance, emphasizing its defensive posture and willingness to retaliate only if provoked. This coordinated approach highlights the deepening military integration between the two nations and their shared perception of the international security landscape. For Russian and Belarusian media, the focus is on the strategic importance of these drills in maintaining regional stability and deterring potential adversaries, portraying the actions as responsible and reactive rather than provocative.

Russia operates according to a planned schedule and is not engaged in an arms race.

— Vladimir PutinCommenting on Russia's nuclear force development.

Western coverage often frames such drills as escalatory and destabilizing. However, from a Russian viewpoint, as reflected in our reporting, these actions are a direct response to perceived threats and a reaffirmation of Russia's strategic autonomy. The narrative emphasizes that Russia acts based on a clear plan, not in a reactive arms race, and that its nuclear posture is purely defensive, aimed at safeguarding its own and its ally's sovereignty in an increasingly unpredictable world. This distinction in framing is crucial to understanding Russia's security doctrine.

Russia is making progress in the development of its nuclear forces.

— Vladimir PutinRegarding the ongoing enhancement of Russia's nuclear capabilities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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