New military doctrine entitles Russia to first nuclear strike

PanARMENIAN.Net - The new military doctrine, approved by the Security Council recognizes Russia's right to use nuclear weapons first in case of threat to its statehood, Nikolai Makarov, RF Army General and Chief of Armed Forces' General Staff, told a traditional annual meeting with foreign military attaches accredited in Moscow on December 21.



He did not disclose other provisions of the document, noting that details will become available only after the RF president approves it. According to him, the new military doctrine articulates current threats and challenges to Russia's security.



As  Nikolai Makarov noted, five objectives of the military reform have been addressed in 2009, such as bringing all military formations and units to the status of permanent readiness,   establishing  military equipment bases in each military district, etc.



The costly process of re-equipping of forces with modern weapons will extend until 2020, General Makarov said.



Saying that Russia and the United States will proceed signing of a new START Treaty in early 2010, he mentioned that the previous treaty was detrimental to Russia. "We come to understanding in the vast majority of issues," he concluded.