Zahharova Responds to US Announcements on Increasing Nuclear Arsenal

Russia will respond to the United States' announcements about increasing its nuclear arsenal in accordance with its nuclear doctrine. This was stated by Maria Zahharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

One day earlier, on June 7, US President Joe Biden signed a new directive regarding the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be used by Washington. According to Pranay Vaddi, the Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation at the White House National Security Council, the US has “no choice” but to adjust its nuclear strategy due to the need to deter Russia, China, and North Korea.

“The President said everything yesterday. There is a nuclear doctrine. If there is a need to improve it, adjustments will be made. There are appropriate arsenals. I think this was the White House's response to their public's questions about why the United States has fewer of these arsenals,” Zahharova stated.

Zahharova emphasized that Washington “no longer understands what they are saying and why” and also reminded that Moscow has never refused dialogue with other nuclear powers.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative noted that the White House should announce such things concerning its national interests, not based on the current political situation. According to her, Washington is using the topic related to Russia to solve domestic issues, which “highlights the inferiority of the United States.”