Russia sees nuclear weapons as only possible response to some threats - Lavrov

Possession of nuclear weapons in the context of deterrence is today the only possible response to some significant external threats to Russia's security, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the International Affairs journal, Report informs via TASS.

"Indeed, much has been said recently about the role of nuclear weapons in Russia's foreign policy. I would like to remind you that the conditions for their possible use on our part are set out in doctrinal documents. It is important to understand them: Russia's state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence is exclusively defensive," he pointed out, "It is aimed at maintaining the potential of nuclear forces at the minimum level necessary for the guaranteed defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, preventing aggression against Russia and its allies."

"In the context of deterrence, the possession of nuclear weapons is today the only possible response to some significant external threats to the security of our country," the top Russian diplomat pointed out.