While worrisome, it represents a reversal of the Soviet/Russian "no first strike" policy adopted in the 1980s, but it should be noted that this new policy will not will be effectively identical to that of the US, which has repudiated calls for it to take a "no first strike" policies since the 1980s.

It's nothing to tear one's hair out about, unless you are Georgian President Saakashvili, where it might be seen as a shot across the bow towards NATO involvement in the region....But then again, he doesn't tear out his hair, he chews on his tie.