… Russia may resort to a pre-emptive nuclear strike in cases specified by its doctrine.”

It is strange that many esteemed domestic military experts consider this statement simply a repetition of Russia’s old military doctrine, which allowed it to use nuclear weapons first. Under the 2000 doctrine, Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons not only in retaliation against a nuclear attack, as was previously the case, but in response to “a large-scale conventional aggression in a situation critical for the national security of the Russian Federation and its allies.” This certainly broadens the rules of engagement, but still does not envisage a pre-emptive nuclear strike without hostilities.

Gen. Balulevsky’s announcement appears to change this, in which case Russia will need a new military doctrine.

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Is the nuclear arms race back?

Five leading NATO military strategists have put together a manifesto on the alliance’s future. What troubles the paper is that there is no apparent belief in the possibility of a world free of atomic weapons. “If there is danger in delay, NATO should be able to use its nuclear arsenal preventively ? in other words, echoing Russia’s strategy. It seems like the balance of deterrence has returned. And nobody should think that other countries who want nuclear weapons will hold back if NATO and Russia stress the importance of having them.?

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Soviet Military Support Group Is Revived
The Associated Press - 16 hours ago
MOSCOW (AP) — A Soviet-era military support organization said Monday it wants to reclaim its past role training youths for Russia’s armed forces, …