Moscow may change the timing of the use of its nuclear weapons if threats against Russia increase, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the defense committee of the Russian lower house, told the RIA news agency, Reuters reported, as quoted by News.bg.
The former general's comments follow recent warnings from President Vladimir Putin that Moscow may change its nuclear doctrine, which sets out the conditions under which such weapons can be used.
Kartapolov stressed that if threats and challenges to Moscow grow, it means that something can be adjusted in the doctrine regarding the timing of the use of nuclear weapons and the decision to use them. "But of course, it is too early to talk about concrete things now, he added.
Russia's 2020 nuclear doctrine defines when its president will consider using nuclear weapons, namely in response to an attack using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction or conventional weapons, "when the very existence of the state is threatened".
Putin also said that Russia could test a nuclear weapon if necessary, although he sees no need to do so now.
The remarks come as both Russian and American diplomats say Russia's war in Ukraine is at its most dangerous phase yet.