Medvedev Does Not Rule Out The Possibility Of Russia Using Nuclear Weapons First, If...

Illustration of missiles belonging to Russia. (Wikimedia Commons/Dmitry Terekhov)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday said Moscow did not rule out using nuclear weapons first if there was a threat of aggression.

Medvedev spoke via video link from defense sector company NPO Mashinostroyena, one of Russia's leading companies in the rocket and space industry, while attending a meeting with participants in Znanie's educational activities.

"You've said Russia would never use nuclear weapons first. But, that's not really the case," Medvedev commented on a statement from one of the participants, reported by TASS April 26.

The former Russian president then quoted paragraph 19 of Russia's nuclear doctrine.

"It is stated explicitly that nuclear weapons can be used when aggression is carried out against Russia with the use of other types of weapons that endanger the existence of the country. Basically, the use of nuclear weapons in response to such actions. Our potential enemy should not underestimate this," he stressed.

According to him, speculation that Russia would never use nuclear weapons or simply scare everyone with nuclear weapons is not worth paying attention to.

"West analysts and Western commanders, both military and political leaders, should assess our rules and intentions," Medvedev said.

In general, he continued, nuclear weapons are critical to Russia's existence as a major country in the world.

"There may be different attitudes towards nuclear weapons, and towards weapons in general, but after all, we understand that in today's world, nuclear weapons for our country have an important meaning as a bond that keeps the country united," he explained.

Separately, Medvedev spoke of readiness to use such weapons.

"I can tell you as someone who knows. I can tell you frankly: If you have a weapon in your hands - and as a former president, I know what it's like - you have to be ready to use it in certain situations, no matter how terrifying and brutal it is. All of these factors should not be underestimated by our potential enemies, the countries we now call enemies," he said.

It is known, under its nuclear doctrine, Russia could use nuclear weapons if the enemy used these weapons or other types of weapons of mass destruction against it or its allies under three conditions.

First, if there is reliable information about the launch of ballistic missile attacks against Russia and its allies. Second, if the enemy attacks a very important facility for retaliatory action by its nuclear forces. Third, in the case of aggression against Russia with conventional weapons that endanger the existence of the state.