CSTO says nuclear weapons could be used to protect allies

The CSTO's collective security strategy allows for the use of weapons of mass destruction to protect allies, the organization's permanent representative Viktor Vasilyev told RIA Novosti.

"The documents adopted in furtherance of this Strategy, as well as the military doctrine of the Russian Federation, provide for the possibility of using nuclear weapons, including to protect allies in the event of an attack," he said in response to a question about whether such weapons could appear in other countries of the bloc.

The agency's interlocutor explained that the document adopted within the CSTO lists among the modern challenges and threats to collective security the possibility of an increase in the number of states possessing military nuclear capabilities, as well as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.

European countries have recently stepped up their rhetoric in this area. Thus, in early March, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Paris was entering a period of "advanced nuclear deterrence." Under the new doctrine, the country will increase the number of warheads, and allies will be able to take part in joint exercises.

In addition, in June the parliament of Finland approved amendments lifting the ban on the import, manufacture, storage and use of nuclear weapons on the country's territory.

Source: RIA Novosti