CSTO permits nuclear weapon use to defend allies, official says
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CSTO's collective security strategy permits the use of nuclear weapons to defend allies, Permanent Representative Viktor Vasilyev said on August 3. The announcement comes as France expands its nuclear deterrence and Finland allows nuclear weapons on its soil.
The CSTO Strategy
Viktor Vasilyev, Russia's permanent representative to the CSTO, said the organization's collective security strategy allows for the use of weapons of mass destruction to protect allies. The strategy, along with Russia's military doctrine, envisages nuclear weapon use in the event of an attack on a member state. He noted that the document identifies the potential increase in nuclear-armed states and proliferation of WMD as modern threats. The CSTO includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
European Nuclear Postures
In early March, French President Emmanuel Macron announced an 'advanced nuclear deterrence' doctrine, increasing warhead numbers and inviting allies to joint exercises. In June, Finland's parliament approved amendments lifting a ban on importing, manufacturing, storing, and using nuclear weapons on its territory. These moves mark a sharp shift from previous European non-proliferation policies.
What's Next
The CSTO is expected to detail its nuclear-sharing mechanisms at the next summit later this year. It remains unclear how member states like Kazakhstan, which has non-nuclear commitments, will reconcile these with the alliance's nuclear posture.
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CSTO permits nuclear weapon use to defend allies, official says
