Russia's Deputy Security Council Secretary Dmitry Medvedev has said Russia could use nuclear weapons in four cases.
Russia's Deputy Security Council Secretary Dmitry Medvedev has said Russia could use nuclear weapons in four cases, according to the RBC news agency. (https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/623eaa3b9a79472660ebc278 ).
The first case was when Russia is attacked using nuclear weapons.
The second case is any other use of nuclear weapons against Russia and its allies.
The third case is an attack on critical infrastructure, which paralyzes Russia's nuclear deterrent.
The fourth case is an act of aggression against Russia or its allies, as a result of which the country's existence has been threatened.
At the end of February 2022, shortly after the start of the invasion of Ukraine, the President of the Russian Federation - Vladimir Putin ordered the forces for deterrent of the Russian army, which includes nuclear weapons, to be put on special combat duty. The Kremlin leader explained his decision with "aggressive statements", made by senior NATO officials against Russia.
The United States has condemned Putin's decision. White House spokesman Jen Psaki said the president of the Russian Federation "creates non-existent threats to justify further aggression". The Pentagon believes that if Ukraine continues to successfully defend itself against the Russian invasion, Putin will continue to threaten the West with nuclear weapons.
On March 23, 2022, NATO Secretary General Jens Stolbtenberg called Russia's threats to use nuclear weapons "dangerous and irresponsible". (https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_193610.htm?selectedLocale=en ).
China has called for restraint. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said all countries should remain calm and avoid further escalation of tensions. (https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-urges-calm-after-putin-puts-n… ).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine believes that this was a way to put pressure on the Ukrainian delegation before the first round of talks between Ukraine and Russia. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds6RsUMZ7c8 ).
Sources: https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/623eaa3b9a79472660ebc278
Olga Berezyuk - https://gordonua.com/news/worldnews/medvedev-nazval-chetyre-sluchaya-pr…