Russia is not planning to build up its strategic...
"Today we have no need to build up the potential of our strategic deterrence, but possession of nuclear weapons is a key condition for Russia to pursue its independent policies, for safeguarding its sovereignty, for peace efforts and for preventing any military conflict and also settling post-conflict situations," Medvedev said during a meeting at the Defense Ministry.
Russia and the United States have made considerable headway on a new strategic arms reductions pact in recent months, with talks set to continue on March 9. The new agreement is to replace the START Treaty that expired in December last year.
Addressing Russia"s top brass, Medvedev made clear he saw regional conflicts in countries surrounding Russia as a major security threat.
"It is important to take into account that there is a number of unsettled regional conflicts around our borders. It creates a potential threat to our country"s national security," Medvedev said.