Russian President Concerned Over American Nuclear Policy Shift

MOSCOW- Russian President Valdimir Putin expressed alarm at suggested changes in U.S. nuclear policy, saying in an interview released Sunday that they could lower standards for use of nuclear weapons to "a dangerous level."

But he remained optimistic that President Bush's visit to Russia at the end of May would bring a "historical" agreement on nuclear weapons cuts.

Putin's remarks came about a month after the Pentagon's leaked "nuclear posture review" sparked indignant reactions in Russia. The document outlined the possible use of nuclear weapons against countries that possess or are developing weapons of mass destruction. Russia was specifically named as a potential target, as were six other countries.

"Here is why (this issue) cannot but worry us," Putin said in an interview with German and Russian media shortly before his visit to Germany. "We are hearing some statements about the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons by the United States against non-nuclear states, among others. That's first."

"Second, we are hearing declarations and suggestions to develop low-capacity nuclear warheads and possibly use them in regional conflicts. This lowers the threshold for the possible use of nuclear weapons to a very low plank, to a dangerous level."

But Putin said it was too early to speak of a new nuclear strategy in Washington.

"These are only the individual statements of people who are not the highest officials of the United States," Putin continued during the interview.

He also said that Bush's visit to Russia in May would bring "historical" results in the form of a new agreement on weapons cuts.