Russia: Nuclear weapons a defensive option

MOSCOW, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Russia's top military commander said Saturday that if his country or its allies are attacked, it is prepared to use nuclear weapons if necessary.

Gen. Yury Baluyevsky, chief of the Russian general staff, said should Russia or any of its allies be substantially threatened, nuclear weapons could be part of a Russian armed response, RIA Novosti reported.

"We do not intend to attack anyone, but consider it necessary that all our partners clearly understand, and that no one has any doubts, that the armed forces will be used to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia and its allies, including preventative action, and including the use of nuclear weapons," the general said.

Baluyevsky said in order to protect Russia's interests, military force "can and must be used" when "all other means prove ineffective."

The military commander's comments could add increased tension to the ongoing dispute between Russia and NATO regarding a planned U.S. missile system, RIA Novosti said.

The United States had wanted to place defensive systems in the Czech Republic and Poland, but Russia has remained steadfast in its opposition to such missile placements.