MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The development of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces in 2017 will be maintained at a level that would ensure the guaranteed containment of aggression, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister, said on Thursday.

"We will continue to develop the Russian Armed Forces in 2017," he said. "We will pay particular attention to keeping our strategic nuclear forces at a level that would ensure the containment of aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies, meeting the parameters under the treaty on strategic offensive arms," Gerasimov said at a meeting with foreign military attaches.

He noted that Russia would also continue building up the capacity of its aerospace defense system and push ahead with efforts to promote its national interests in the Arctic zone.

Gerasimov added that this would make it possible for the Russian Armed Forces to adequately respond to emerging security threats and ensure the country’s peaceful development.

"We will continue the activities aimed at increasing the level of confidence and reducing tensions. We are open to dialogue insofar as our partners are," he said.