Russia warns that nuclear weapons are a `dangerous game`

(Dan Tri) – Russian officials have raised Moscow’s stance on using nuclear weapons and at the same time warned the West about providing military aid to Ukraine.

Mr. Konstantin Gavrilov, representative of the Russian delegation in Vienna on arms control and military security (Photo: TASS).

`The Americans have spoken out (about their speculations) that Russia threatened to use nuclear weapons. We have never done this,` said Konstantin Gavrilov, representative of the Russian delegation in Vienna on arms control

`We have principles and doctrines that dictate when and where nuclear weapons can be used. We strictly adhere to those principles. And there should be no speculation on this issue,`

`These are very dangerous games. We can solve today’s challenges with the means we have at our disposal. Our defense industry is developing,` the Russian official added.

The West believes that the nuclear threat in Ukraine has increased recently, especially after Russia annexed four separatist regions in Ukraine last year.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev repeatedly mentioned Russia’s nuclear doctrine, stating cases in which Moscow could use nuclear weapons.

According to Mr. Medvedev, the first case was that Russia was attacked with nuclear missiles.

Regarding Britain sending depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine, Mr. Gavrilov said this is a cause for concern because these weapons contaminate the soil and make large areas of territory unsuitable for use.

`These are toxic issues,` the Russian diplomat warned.

In September, the Pentagon announced a new $175 million military aid package that will include 120mm artillery shells with cores from depleted uranium for Abrams tanks.

This is the first time Washington has shipped depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow would react `proportionately` to the US sending depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine.

Depleted uranium is a byproduct of nuclear enrichment used to produce nuclear fuel or nuclear weapons.

Poor uranium is suitable for making armor-piercing bullets because it is flammable.