Russian President Vladimir Putin said the use of nuclear weapons is a “last measure” to ensure the country’s security, but Russia does not intend to be drawn into a new arms race.
This came during his launch of exercises for the Strategic Nuclear Deterrence Forces, which included launching missiles, where the President indicated that the use of nuclear weapons is “the last measure” to ensure the country’s security, stressing that Russia “does not intend to be drawn into a new arms race, but will maintain its nuclear forces at the level (Necessary sufficiency).”
The President continued: Today, we are conducting another training for the nuclear strategic deterrent forces, and we will practice the actions of officials to control the use of nuclear weapons through the practical launch of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
At the same time, Putin stressed that “it is the nuclear triad that remains a reliable guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty and security, which makes it possible to solve the problems of strategic deterrence, as well as maintaining nuclear parity and the balance of power in the region and the world.”
The President stressed that the increasing tension in the world and the emergence of new external threats demonstrate the importance of having modern strategic deterrence forces, permanently ready for combat use. Therefore, Putin continued, “Moscow will continue to improve all its capabilities as the country has the necessary resources for this.”
According to the State Armament Programme, the Strategic Missile Forces will be systematically transferred to new fixed and mobile missile systems with higher accuracy, the time for preparing for launch will be reduced and the capabilities to overcome missile defense systems will be increased.
In addition, according to Putin, the introduction of the latest nuclear submarine cruisers into the Navy continues, as well as the modernization of long-range strategic bombers.”
Last updated: October 29, 2024 – 16:10
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Nuclear Strategy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin made some significant remarks about nuclear weapons during the launch of exercises for the Strategic Nuclear Deterrence Forces. What did you make of his statements about the use of nuclear weapons being a “last measure”?
Nuclear Strategy Expert: Good morning! Putin’s characterization of nuclear weapons as a “last measure” reflects a long-standing principle in nuclear strategy known as “deterrence.” Essentially, this means that nuclear weapons are intended to deter adversaries from taking aggressive actions against Russia. However, the fact that he emphasizes this point suggests that Russia feels a heightened need to assert its nuclear capabilities amid global tensions.
Time.news Editor: He also mentioned that Russia does not intend to be drawn into a new arms race while maintaining what he called “necessary sufficiency.” What does this mean in practical terms, and why is it significant?
Nuclear Strategy Expert: The term ”necessary sufficiency” refers to the idea that a country should possess enough nuclear capability to deter any potential aggressor without engaging in an arms buildup that could destabilize global security. This is significant because it signals Russia’s desire to balance maintaining its nuclear arsenal without escalating into an arms race that could lead to miscalculations or accidental conflicts.
Time.news Editor: Putin also discussed the importance of the nuclear triad for Russia’s security and sovereignty. Can you explain what the nuclear triad is and its role?
Nuclear Strategy Expert: The nuclear triad consists of three components: land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers. This structure provides a robust deterrent because it ensures that even if one component is compromised, the others remain operational and capable of delivering a retaliatory strike. This redundancy is crucial for national security, as it reinforces the principle of mutually assured destruction, which is a cornerstone of nuclear deterrence theory.
Time.news Editor: During the exercises, Putin mentioned the practical launch of ballistic and cruise missiles. What are the implications of such military drills for international relations?
Nuclear Strategy Expert: Military drills like these are strategic signaling tools. They serve to reassure domestic audiences of a country’s military readiness while also sending messages to potential adversaries about capability and resolve. However, these displays can also escalate tensions, as they might be perceived as provocative. The key is how other nations interpret these actions; if they view them as offensive, it could lead to a ramp-up in military preparedness on their part, resulting in a vicious cycle of escalation.
Time.news Editor: with the current geopolitical climate involving Russia, how should other nations respond to these developments without prompting further escalation?
Nuclear Strategy Expert: Dialogue is crucial. Countries need to maintain open lines of communication to clarify intentions and reduce the risk of misunderstandings. Moreover, participating in arms control negotiations could help ease tensions and manage the strategic balance. It’s essential for all nuclear states to demonstrate restraint and prioritize de-escalation while ensuring transparency regarding their military capabilities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights on such a critical topic. As tensions continue to evolve, it’s essential we understand the implications of these nuclear strategies and the importance of diplomacy in ensuring global security.
Nuclear Strategy Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s a complex issue, but we must hope for constructive dialogue moving forward.