Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has approved the country's new military doctrine which includes the option of using nuclear strikes against potential aggressors.

According to Russian officials, the adjustment of the country's military doctrine was prompted by real threats and challenges facing Russia.

The following are important points from the document posted on the Kremlin's website:

* The existing architecture of global security, including its mechanisms based on international law, does not ensure the equal security of all nations

* Russia is facing an increased military threat from several directions

Some of the main external threats:

* Attempts to expand NATO military infrastructure closer to Russian borders

* Deployment (or expansion) of foreign military contingents on territories neighboring Russia or its allies

* Development and deployment of missile defense systems which undermine global stability and disrupt the strategic balance of power, militarization of space and deployment of non-nuclear precision strategic weapons

* Territorial claims against Russia and its allies

* The use of military force on territories neighboring Russia in violation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law

* The spread of global terrorism

Russia's military policy

* The main goal of the Russian Federation is to prevent a nuclear conflict as well as any other military conflict

* Russia retains the right to use nuclear weapons in response to an attack against it or its allies with nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, or in response to an aggression with the use of conventional weapons

* Russia may use precision weapons systems for deterrence

* Russia may send troops abroad to protect its national interests or its citizens in line with norms of international law, international agreements and federal legislation

* The main tasks of the Russian Armed Forces during a time of war are to repel any aggression against Russia and its allies, to defeat the aggressor and to force it to stop military actions on conditions that meet the interests of the Russian Federation and its allies

MOSCOW, February 5 (RIA Novosti)