Russia reserves right to use nuke arms if attacked: Putin

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON — Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting Wednesday.

Such conditions include "if the enemy, using conventional weapons, poses a critical threat" to Russia's sovereignty, Putin said at a Security Council meeting on nuclear deterrence.

Putin called for updating the foundations of Russia's state policy on nuclear deterrence, adding that it must be adapted to the current realities.

He noted that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is proposed to be considered as a joint attack on the country.

The Russian president added that Russia will consider using nuclear weapons upon receiving reliable information about the massive launch of aerospace attack weapons, including strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other aircraft across Russia's border.

Putin noted that all clarifications on the current deterrence policy are carefully calibrated and proportionate to modern military threats and risks against Russia and that the country has taken a "highly responsible "approach to the use of nuclear forces.

Meanwhile, the United States plans to announce more than $8 billion worth of military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington, two US officials said on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden's administration has been engaged in urgent discussions with Congress to allow it to use up $5.6 billion in military aid for Ukraine before Sept 30, the end of the federal fiscal year, when the authority was set to expire.

On Thursday, US officials said, the White House intends to notify Congress it will move forward with the announcement of a $5.6 billion drawdown from US weapons stocks. The contents of that package are still in flux, the officials said.

Reuters reported this month that the Biden administration was considering a backup plan under which it would announce plans for shipments for Ukraine, but with an extended delivery timeline for the weapons and equipment, allowing for a more gradual transfer of resources to Ukraine without missing the Sept 30 deadline. In Ukraine, forces destroyed 66 attack drones and four cruise missiles launched by Russia during an overnight strike, Kyiv's air force said on Thursday.

Xinhua - Agencies