As reports emerge of Moscow activating its strategic nuclear forces, Russia on Wednesday held a briefing for military attaches’ of friendly countries regarding its nuclear posture.
“The activities of the Russian Federation in the area of nuclear deterrence are defensive in nature and are aimed at guaranteeing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation,” said a Russian MoD statement.
Moscow said it assessed actions of the United States in deploying nuclear arms in Europe, as well as joint activities with NATO to prepare and conduct nuclear missions involving the air forces of non-nuclear weapon states.
Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin alleged that Russian demands urging the U.S. and NATO to cease such practices and withdraw nuclear weapons were rejected.
The briefing also explained the reasons behind the decision to take additional steps to ensure the security of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. The measures taken are a response to the NATO's escalation activity.
Russia has allegedly threatened to launch a nuclear attack against Ukraine after Vladimir Putin was supposedly targeted in an assassination attempt.