Putin calls Belarus' defense an important part of Russia's security

The defense of Belarus is an important component of Russia's security, and this is included in the updated nuclear doctrine of the Russian Federation. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 19 during the "Results of the Year".

"If the same threats are created for our ally, a member of the Union State, for Belarus, the Russian Federation will consider it the same as the creation of similar threats to Russia itself. And we will do everything to ensure the security of Belarus. <...> I think this is a very important component of the updated nuclear strategy of the Russian Federation," Putin said.

The President recalled the main thoughts introduced into the doctrine during the update. In particular, it takes into account the emergence of new weapons that could become a military threat in the future. These include, for example, missile defense systems (BMD).

The head of state pointed out that if non-nuclear-weapon states, together with allies that possess nuclear weapons, threaten Russia's sovereignty and existence by using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction against it, Moscow reserves the right to a nuclear response. In addition, strikes with conventional weapons will also be considered a danger to sovereignty if they threaten Russia's territorial integrity.

Putin added that he did not know whether the West had correctly understood the signals given by the update of Russia's nuclear doctrine and noted that it was not a new document - it had only been amended.

The head of state approved Russia's updated nuclear doctrine on November 19. It introduces for the first time the concept of a potential adversary against which nuclear deterrence is conducted. In addition, the document clarifies the conceptual basis for a nuclear strike.

The direct line with Vladimir Putin in 2024 is combined with a press conference for the media. The format called "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin" allows the president to convey his position not only on citizens' issues, but also on the state and world agenda, which is often asked by journalists.

Representatives of Western media and foreign journalists accredited in Russia have also received invitations to the events.

As of the morning of December 19, the number of requests sent to the direct line with the president exceeded 2 million.

The first live broadcast took place in December 2001. By the President's own admission, this event is the most powerful sociological poll, which allows citizens to convey their position and assessment of the country's leadership.

The latest news about the "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin - 2024" - in the Izvestia story.