Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov dismissed rumors that there are renegade officers in Russia who could take advantage of the new military doctrine to use nuclear weapons.
After Russia unveiled its new military doctrine, which includes clauses on the use of nuclear weapons, some foreign experts claimed Russia’s generals may be dreaming of pushing the red button.
Speaking at a conference in Munich, Ivanov called such suggestions nonsense.
“There were rumors that Moscow has renegade generals who want to push a red button. But as a former Defense Minister, I can assure you that Russia’s top officers follow all political agreements made by our country. Any hint that there is an opposition in our army is complete nonsense.”
Ivanov added that Russia is looking forward to new agreements on non-proliferation, and even a complete reduction of nuclear arsenals in the future.