Russian President Vladimir Putin recently addressed Russia’s strategic nuclear policy in the face of rising global tensions, reiterating that while Moscow is intent on maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent, it does not seek to initiate a new arms race. Announcing a strategic nuclear deterrence exercise on October 29, which included ballistic and cruise missile launches, Putin stressed the importance of keeping Russia’s nuclear forces at a “necessarily sufficient level” to counter external threats, yet underscored that nuclear deployment remains a “last resort” in safeguarding national security.

The nuclear drills aimed to test and refine Russia’s capability to respond swiftly and decisively in the event of heightened security threats. Putin noted the necessity of a powerful and updated nuclear triad-comprising land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers-to ensure a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. He emphasized that approximately 94 percent of Russia’s nuclear forces are already equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art weaponry, and additional enhancements are in progress. These include the introduction of new mobile and stationary missile systems that boast higher precision and faster launch preparation compared to their predecessors.

While the tests underscore Russia’s preparedness, Putin reiterated that these efforts are defensive, not provocative. In a world marked by rising instability, he argued, Russia’s nuclear capabilities provide the “greatest guarantor” of national sovereignty, enabling Moscow to protect its territory and its people. He presented Russia’s updated arsenal as a shield that upholds the balance of power rather than as a tool to spark an arms race.

Putin’s recent comments echo his longstanding stance that nuclear weapons are a fundamental component of Russia’s security strategy but should only be used under........

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