00:59 23-05-2026

Putin Says Nuclear Weapons Remain Russia’s Last Resort

© A. Krivonosov

Vladimir Putin says Russia views nuclear weapons as a last resort while keeping its nuclear triad ready for deterrence and sovereignty protection.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is maintaining its core position on nuclear weapons: they are viewed only as an extreme and exceptional tool for protecting the country’s security.

He stressed that Russia does not intend to enter a new arms race. At the same time, the country will keep its nuclear forces at a level it considers sufficient for defence.

Speaking by video link at the start of a strategic nuclear deterrence forces exercise, Putin said Russia understands that the nuclear triad remains a reliable guarantee of the country’s sovereignty and security. According to him, it also allows Moscow to carry out strategic deterrence tasks and maintain nuclear parity and the global balance of power.

Putin added that, amid rising international tensions and new challenges, the nuclear triad must continue to play a central role. He said it should ensure strategic deterrence, preserve the balance of forces and serve as a guarantee of the sovereignty of the Union State of Russia and Belarus.

The rules for the use of nuclear weapons are set out in Russia’s nuclear doctrine. Under that doctrine, if the country’s sovereignty is threatened, Moscow reserves the right to use all available means at its disposal.