Moscow, December 27 (RHC)-- Russia has approved an updated version of the country’s military doctrine which considers NATO military buildup as a major foreign threat against its national security. The new doctrine, which was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, also lists the American Prompt Global Strike (PGS) concept among the top security threats to the country, Russia Today reported.

The PGS is an effort by the U.S. military to develop a system which would allow the Pentagon to deliver precision strikes with conventional weapons at any target in the world in one hour. The core of the new military doctrine remains unchanged as the Russian army is still a defensive tool, which Moscow has vowed to use only as a last resort.

The principles of the use of nuclear weapons have not changed since their primary goal is to deter potential attacks on Russia. However, the country would use them to protect itself in the face of the military assaults that could threaten its existence.

The new sections of the doctrine outline the threats that Russia sees in NATO’s expansion and the fact that the Western military alliance is taking upon itself “global functions realized with violation of international law.”

Relations between Russia and NATO strained after Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea integrated into the Russian Federation following a referendum on March 16th. The military alliance ended all practical cooperation with Russia over the ensuing crisis in Ukraine on April 1st.

The United States and its European allies accuse Moscow of destabilizing Ukraine and have imposed a number of sanctions against Russian and pro-Russia figures. Moscow, however, firmly rejects the accusation.