Although the risk of a large-scale war against Russia has diminished - we read - some security threats continue to grow. The military strengthening of NATO and the expansion of the blockade towards the borders are among the main external threats to Russian security.
Other external threats include the development and dissemination of strategic missile defense systems, the implementation of the 'global attack' doctrine that involves the launching of weapons into space and the spread of high-precision conventional weapons systems.
The doctrine also identifies the main internal threats such as those aimed at destabilizing the government in the country, terrorist activities aimed at damaging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia, as well as all anti-Russian and anti-patriotic propaganda actions.
The paper maintains the provisions on the use of nuclear weapons provided in the 'doctrine' signed in the 2010. The doctrine, of 29 pages, is a stand-alone document that outlines the main security threats and possible answers from Russia. The current edition is the third signed by Putin from his election in the 2000.
Russia - reads - could resort to using nuclear weapons in retaliation against a possible atomic 'first strike' or with weapons of mass destruction to protect the country and its allies. Even in the case of aggression with conventional weapons that "threaten the very existence" of the Russian state. But for the first time, the new doctrine states that Russia could use precision weapons "as part of strategic deterrent measures", without specifying when and how Moscow could activate this procedure.
The military doctrine replaces the previous version of the 2010. Overall, the 2014 military doctrine is the fourth version (1993, 2000 and 2010).
The recent actions taken by NATO following the reunification of Crimea with Russia last March, in particular by increasing the military presence in Poland and in the former Soviet Soviet republics of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, have caused dissatisfaction in Russia. In April, the alliance ceased all practical cooperation with Russia.
NATO expansion - according to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov - is a mistake that undermines European stability.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to accelerate its military modernization. Last Friday, the ballistic intercontinental missile RS-24 Yars was successfully launched from the Plesetsk shooting range.
Finally, NATO defends itself with an official note. “The Alliance does not pose a threat to Russia or any nation, any measures taken by NATO to ensure the security of its members are clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in accordance with international law. Indeed, Russia in Ukraine has violated international law that undermines European security ".
The economic sanctions of the United States and the European Union have contributed to a strong devaluation of the ruble, which has lost about half of its value in the 2014.
The economic crisis could slow down the ambitious Russian modernization program, but the Kremlin has shown no intention of cutting spending on defense.
Russia is particularly concerned about the "Prompt Global Strike" program being developed in the United States.
It is a system that can hit targets around the world in less than an hour with deadly precision.
Franco Iacch
(photo: Russian presidency)
