Expert comments on Russia's readiness to respond to aggression against Belarus

MINSK, 14 October (BelTA) — Changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine related to its readiness to respond to aggression against Belarus with use of nuclear weapons are addressed primarily to Poland, Igor Korotchenko, Russian journalist and military expert, editor-in-chief of the Russian National Defense magazine, said in the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA's YouTube channel. "In response to aggression against Belarus, Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons. It is clear who the recipients of this message are. First of all, these are the NATO countries that border Belarus. I believe it is primarily addressed to Poland, which is now most actively developing its defense industry, buying new weapons and not hiding its plans to hold military exercises simulating war against Belarus," Igor Korotchenko said.

According to him, this is one of the principal changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine. He also noted that the discussions are still ongoing. "We can assess in different ways who says what. Nevertheless, when this message comes from the Russian Security Council and the president, we understand that the approval of the changes is on the home stretch," the military expert stated.

Igor Korotchenko added that after the new provisions of the nuclear doctrine come into force, the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces will need to make appropriate adjustments to certain plans for the use of forces, including in the event of possible aggressive actions on the part of Russia's western neighbors.