Camilla Jessen
For the first time since December, a senior Russian official has raised the prospect of using nuclear weapons.
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Russia has issued its first nuclear threat in over four months, with Security Council Secretary and former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stating that Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to Western aggression.
In comments released on April 23 through state-run agency TASS, Shoigu cited recent amendments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine that authorize the use of nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia or Belarus—even if conventional weapons are used.
The remarks mark the first nuclear warning from a senior Russian official since President Vladimir Putin’s statements during a national broadcast on December 19, according to Russian investigative outlet Agentstvo.
Shoigu emphasized that Russia is particularly monitoring actions taken by European countries and warned that Moscow is prepared to implement both “symmetrical and asymmetrical” measures in response to “unfriendly actions” that threaten its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
“Nuclear deterrence is directed against states and military alliances that view Russia as an adversary,” Shoigu said, adding that this includes those possessing weapons of mass destruction or significant conventional military capabilities, as well as nations providing resources or territory for hostile operations against Moscow.