Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a new military doctrine identifying NATO as the biggest military threat to the country. The President also raised the increased possibility of a broader use of precision conventional weapons by the United States in an attempt to deter foreign aggression.

The latest doctrine is in accordance with the set of provisions mentioned in the 2010 edition of the military doctrine that talks about the use of nuclear weapons.

The doctrine comes at a time when the tensions over the ongoing Ukraine crisis loom large in the global arena. It also reflects the firm preparedness of Kremlin to respond to the situation of crisis and the apparent effort of the United States to isolate and weaken Russia.

The Russia-West relations have plummeted in the recent times to their lowest level since the days of Cold War, while NATO has also stripped off ties with Moscow after annexing the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine in March this year.

Under the new doctrine, Russia could carry the employment of nuclear weapons in retaliation for the use of nuclear or other mass destruction weapons against the country or its ally partners. It is also applicable in case of aggression when conventional weapons are involved that “threatens the very existence of the Russian state”.

Meanwhile, the United States refuted Russia’s charges on NATO, saying NATO poses no threat to any country which is moving in compliance with the international law.

“The alliance poses no threat to Russia or to any nation. Any steps taken by NATO to ensure the security of its members are clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in compliance with international law.”

She, however, launched counterattack at Russia, saying its actions like the one in Ukraine break international law and undermine the European security.

This is for the first time when the doctrine of Russia allows the country to use precision weapons “as part of strategic deterrent measures”.