“Training in the morning frees rest of the day - this is our general rule,” – Irina Mironova, senior specialist at Gazprom, senior lecturer of international programs at European University at St. Petersburg, and Dmitry Kovchegin, independent consultant.

“When students, aspiring to become diplomats, ask me whom they should regard as a role model, I say “Sergei Ryabkov”. You demonstrate such a unique combination of perseverance when it comes to defending national interests, openness to a dialogue, gentleness, intelligence, flair erudition, considerable professional expertise and an innate curiosity, inherent in young spirits, coupled with an endearing charm. Happy anniversary!” – Vladimir Orlov, PIR Center Director and MGIMO Professor.

The present occasional paper seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the key provisions of the Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence and put them into perspective, while also drawing on the 2014 Military Doctrine. The “Basic Principles” is considered as a development of major importance since it is the first time in Russian history that such a detailed nuclear policy planning document is released publicly, and the room for misinterpretation of Russian nuclear policy is narrowed.