Erdogan urged NATO to reflect after Russia's nuclear doctrine update

Russia's unveiling of an updated nuclear doctrine is a retaliatory measure, NATO should reflect on it. This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro within the framework of the G20 summit on November 19.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved Russia's updated nuclear doctrine. According to the document, Russia reserves the right to use such weapons in response to an attack against it or its allies using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction. In addition, Russia can launch a nuclear strike if an attack threatening territorial integrity is launched against it or Belarus.

"Russia should have and has the ability to defend itself," the Turkish leader said, adding that Russia should take the necessary steps to defend itself.

He also said Ankara should maintain ties with Kiev and Moscow and was ready to continue mediation efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking about Ukraine's use of long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, Erdogan said this would only increase the risks of a nuclear conflict.

Earlier, on September 25, Putin said that it was necessary to adapt the foundations of state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence to modern realities. At that time, he said that the Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Security Council, after analysis, proposed a number of changes concerning a clearer fixation of the conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons. Later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that the update of Russia's nuclear doctrine should be considered a certain signal to unfriendly countries.

The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro takes place from November 18 to 19, Russia was represented by Lavrov. In the already adopted final declaration, the participants of the meeting welcomed all constructive initiatives to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The Bloomberg news agency reported that French leader Macron independently sought out Lavrov at the summit and shook his hand.