Kremlin calls nuclear weapons 'cornerstone' of national security

Nuclear Deterrence Doctrine

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Sunday described nuclear weapons as the "cornerstone" of Russia's national security architecture, stating that the country's atomic arsenal provides the ultimate guarantee against threats to its existence. Speaking to Russian media outlet Vesti, Peskov emphasized that a nuclear power cannot face existential threats, which forms the basis of Moscow's deterrence strategy.

"A nuclear power cannot be threatened; its existence cannot be threatened. This is what gives us the opportunity to be confident in this, and this is the basis of nuclear deterrence," Peskov said, according to Vesti. He added that this strategic posture ensures Russia's security amid ongoing tensions with Western powers.

EU Relations and Negotiations

Addressing the breakdown in relations with Brussels, Peskov characterized recent discussions within the European Union about potential negotiations with Moscow as a "major shift" that serves Russian interests. He noted that the growing recognition among EU members that dialogue with Russia is inevitable represents a positive development, stressing that Moscow was not responsible for the initial rupture in communications.

Regarding speculation about who might lead potential talks, Peskov dismissed the prospect of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas serving as an intermediary, stating it is "in her interests not to be a negotiator with Russia." He referenced President Vladimir Putin's earlier statement that any suitable mediator would be someone "who hasn't said a lot of bad things" about Moscow.

Strategic Modernization

President Vladimir Putin earlier this week highlighted Russia's ongoing modernization of its nuclear deterrence forces, claiming Moscow has developed advanced weapons systems that possess "no counterparts in the world." Putin attributed this acceleration to the United States' withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, which prompted Russia to pursue capabilities capable of penetrating existing and future missile defense networks.

The comments came during a video conference with Strategic Missile Forces Commander Sergey Karakayev following the successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The new missile system represents a key component of Russia's efforts to maintain strategic parity amid evolving security challenges in Europe.