Erdoğan: NATO must review Russia's nuclear doctrine move

Erdoğan held a press conference at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brazil. 

BBC's James Landale asked Erdoğan the following question:

“As an important NATO leader, are you concerned about Russia’s new doctrine that paves the way for a nuclear attack against countries that do not have nuclear weapons?”

Erdoğan first responded to the question by saying, “What did you mean by that?”

Landale then repeated the question in more detail.

Erdoğan gave the following answer:

“I think this statement by Russia is, first and foremost, a measure taken against conventional weapons in response to an attitude directed at itself. This step taken by Russia should be considered by NATO officials; it must be reviewed.

First and foremost, Russia has the power to protect itself and the measures to protect itself, and it is obliged to have them. Likewise, as a NATO country, we also have to take steps to protect ourselves.

Currently, Ukraine is our neighbor, and Russia is our neighbor. We have to maintain our bilateral relations with them at this point as well.

I hope that we will ensure a definitive ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible and secure the peace that the world is waiting for.”

NUCLEAR RESPONSE DOCTRINE

Putin approved the doctrine today (November 19) at noon, which allows for a response with nuclear weapons if his country is subjected to ballistic missile attacks.

The updated doctrine allows Russia to provide a nuclear response in the event of a ballistic missile attack on Russian territory with the support of another nuclear-armed country. Attacks carried out with unmanned aerial vehicles or warplanes have also been included in this scope.

Russia will also be able to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to its ally Belarus. 

Furthermore, while 'aggression by an alliance member' is also defined as a development that could trigger a nuclear response, all alliance members to which the country in question belongs will also be considered parties to the potential aggression.

RUSSIA'S STANCE IS THAT THERE WILL BE NO NUCLEAR WAR

Today (November 19), about three hours after the doctrine announcement, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine had struck an arsenal in the Bryansk region of Russia.

Thus, Ukraine hit Russia with a US-made missile for the first time.

According to TRT, following the attack, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is not in favor of nuclear war:

“We will react in accordance with the US decision to authorize attacks deep into Russia. We believe that nuclear weapons are a deterrent. Russia's stance is that there will be no nuclear war.”

News Source: 12punto