Nuclear Weapons Use Not Ruled Out by CSTO for Allies' Defense

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) strategy allows for the use of nuclear weapons for the purpose of defending allies. This was stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by Viktor Vasiliev, Russia's permanent representative to the organization.

According to him, the documents adopted based on the strategy and Russia's military doctrine provide for the possibility of using nuclear weapons, including in the case of protecting allies.

"The documents adopted for the purpose of developing the strategy, as well as Russia's military doctrine, foresee the possibility of using nuclear weapons, including for the defense of allies in case of an attack," Vasiliev said.

He added that the strategic documents adopted by the CSTO also identify modern threats, including the increase in the number of countries with nuclear capabilities and the risks of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their carriers.