Putin lowers threshold for use of nuclear weapons if Russia is attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine on Tuesday, declaring that any attack on Russia supported by a country with nuclear capabilities could potentially result in a nuclear response. This decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and President Biden’s recent authorization for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

The updated policy, signed on the 1,000th day of the war with Ukraine, also includes provisions for responding to aggression against Russia’s ally Belarus with nuclear weapons. While the doctrine does not explicitly state that Russia will definitely respond to such attacks with nuclear weapons, it highlights the “uncertainty of scale, time, and place of possible use of nuclear deterrent” as fundamental principles of deterrence.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the revised doctrine was published “in a timely manner” in response to changing geopolitical circumstances. Putin had instructed the government to update the policy earlier this year to align with the current situation, leading to a meeting in September to discuss proposed revisions.

The doctrine now officially recognizes an attack on Russia by a non-nuclear power with the participation or support of a nuclear power as a joint attack on the Russian Federation. It expands the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be used, including in response to air attacks involving ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and other airborne vehicles.

The previous document had only mentioned the use of nuclear weapons if “reliable information is received about the launch of ballistic missiles targeting the territory of Russia or its allies.” The updated doctrine reflects a broader range of scenarios that could trigger a nuclear response.

The decision to revise the nuclear doctrine underscores Russia’s commitment to maintaining its national security interests and deterring potential threats. As tensions persist in the region, the strategic implications of Putin’s latest move will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for international relations.

In conclusion, Putin’s signing of the revised nuclear doctrine represents a significant development in Russia’s defense strategy and reaffirms the country’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and security. The evolving dynamics of global politics will continue to shape the implementation of this policy and influence future geopolitical outcomes.