Russia's New Doctrine: NATO is the Main Military Threat to Moscow

The new military doctrine of Russia, signed by President Vladimir Putin, considers NATO's positioning near its borders as a military threat. According to the Associated Press, the new military doctrine of Russia has increased the potential use of 'strategic deterrent' weapons in response to NATO's threat. The report adds that NATO has explicitly stated it is not a threat to Russia and has accused the country of undermining European security. The new military doctrine of Russia comes amid tensions with the West over Ukraine and is essentially a revision of the last version of its military doctrine, which did not rule out the use of nuclear weapons against its enemies. This military doctrine states that Russia can use its nuclear weapons in retaliation against the use of nuclear or conventional weapons that pose a threat to the country, its existence, or its allies. However, the Associated Press reported on Friday that this doctrine for the first time indicates that Russia can use strategic weapons as a deterrent without specifying how and when it would employ these weapons. The new military doctrine of Russia refers to NATO's troop deployments and the potential threat of NATO's facilities approaching Russia's borders as a serious threat to Moscow. The signing of the new military doctrine by Vladimir Putin occurred just days after the Ukrainian parliament revoked the country's commitment to a 'neutral position,' allowing the Ukrainian government to officially move forward with NATO membership. The new Russian doctrine states that NATO's troop deployments near Russia's borders are a step to exert 'military and political' pressure on Moscow. However, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told the Associated Press that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is not a threat to Russia or any other country. According to her, NATO's actions to defend its members are within the framework of international law. Ms. Lungescu further stated that it is Russia's actions in Ukraine that violate international law. The West has accused Russia of fueling unrest in Ukraine and occupying its territory. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March this year. The Associated Press writes that relations between Russia and the West are at their worst since the end of the Cold War. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia.