Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West yesterday that Russia could use all available means to defend itself if its sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened, world agencies reported, quoted by BTV.
The President spoke yesterday at the meeting with heads of world news agencies in St. Petersburg.
Putin noted that Russia's nuclear doctrine allows for the use of such weapons in response to threats. He has already issued such warnings several times.
„For some reason, the West thinks that Russia will never use them. We have a nuclear doctrine, and if someone's actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we think it is possible to use all the means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially," the Russian president emphasized.
The head of state clarified that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO, saying: “Don't think we are crazy or something like that”.
However, he threatened an “non-standard response” if Russian territory is attacked by Ukraine with Western-supplied weapons.