🇷🇺 Russia's Nuclear Strategy
Here is a timeline of key announcements and developments related to Russia's National Nuclear Strategy over the past 50 years, listed with the most recent events first:
1. 2020: Basic Principles of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence
In June 2020, Russia formalized its nuclear deterrence policy through an executive order, specifying conditions under which it would use nuclear weapons. These include a nuclear attack on Russia or its allies, as well as conventional attacks that threaten the existence of the state. This document also emphasizes that Russia's nuclear strategy remains defensive, intended to deter aggression rather than initiate conflict.
- Full Text (in English)【34†source】【36†source】.
2. 2014: End of Nunn-Lugar Program
In December 2014, Moscow announced that it would no longer accept U.S. assistance for securing nuclear materials under the Cooperative Threat Reduction (Nunn-Lugar) program. This marked the end of decades of U.S.-Russian cooperation on nuclear disarmament and security, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions over Ukraine.
- Details on the 2014 announcement【35†source】.
3. 2010: Military Doctrine Update
Russia's 2010 Military Doctrine emphasized nuclear weapons as a cornerstone of its defense strategy. It included provisions for using nuclear weapons in response to large-scale aggression with conventional weapons when the survival of the state is at risk. This update solidified Russia’s stance that nuclear weapons remain central to its deterrence policy.
- More on the 2010 Doctrine【36†source】.
4. 1993: Abandonment of Soviet No-First-Use Policy
In 1993, Russia formally abandoned the Soviet Union's "no-first-use" policy regarding nuclear weapons. This marked a major shift in Russian nuclear strategy, allowing for the potential first use of nuclear weapons in a conflict, particularly if conventional warfare threatened the country's survival. The change reflected the new geopolitical realities post-Cold War.
- Further reading on 1993 policy changes【33†source】.
5. 1981-1991: Evolution of Soviet and Early Russian Strategy
During the latter years of the Cold War, particularly under Soviet leaders Brezhnev and Gorbachev, the Soviet Union began scaling back its emphasis on nuclear weapons in strategic planning. However, after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Russia retained much of the Soviet nuclear infrastructure and shifted its strategy toward maintaining a powerful nuclear deterrent, particularly given its weakened conventional forces in the post-Soviet era.
- Learn more about this transition period【35†source】.
6. 1970s: Cold War Nuclear Strategy
Throughout the 1970s, the Soviet Union's nuclear strategy focused on parity with the United States, emphasizing deterrence and second-strike capabilities. This period also saw the establishment of the nuclear triad—land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers—that remains the foundation of Russian nuclear strategy today.
- Historical context on Soviet-era strategy【34†source】.
This timeline provides a concise overview of how Russia's nuclear strategy has evolved, shaped by global geopolitical events, shifts in leadership, and the need to maintain strategic deterrence in the post-Soviet era. Each step reflects Russia’s approach to maintaining a balance of power, particularly in relation to the United States.
