Putin sees no case now for using nuclear weapons as stated in nuclear doctrine, but it may be changed

ST. PETERSBURG. June 7 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin does not think that the case for using nuclear weapons as stated in the nuclear doctrine has occurred, but does not rule out that amendments could be introduced to this document.

"We have a nuclear doctrine. Everything is written there. [...] It [nuclear weapons] could be used in an exceptional case, in the event of a threat to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In exceptional cases. I do not think that such a case has occurred. And there is no such need," Putin said at a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"But this doctrine is a living instrument, and we are closely watching what is happening in the world, around us, and we do not rule out introducing some changes to this doctrine," he said.

Not only did Russia previously sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, but also ratified it, Putin said.

"The Americans signed it, but did not ratify it. That is why we withdrew our ratification in today's conditions," he said.

"But if necessary, we will conduct tests, but there is no such need for now either, because our information and computer capabilities allow us to produce everything in the current format," Putin said.