The Russian military's Chief of Staff says Moscow is ready to use preventative nuclear strikes to defend itself. Speaking at a conference at the Academy of Military Sciences in Moscow, General Yuri Baluyevsky said Russia must be ready to counter possible threats.

"We do not intend to attack anyone, but we consider it necessary that all our partners in the international community clearly understand that for the defence of our sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Russia and its allies, the armed forces will be employed, including preventively the use of nuclear weapons," he said.

Analysts say the General's remarks do not mark a shift in policy, but are the latest in string of assertive comments.

© 2007 ABC

See also:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7198181.stm

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/20/2142393.htm