Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has announced a revision to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, declaring that a conventional attack by any non-nuclear nation with the support of a nuclear power will be seen as a joint attack on his country. This announcement, discussed at a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, is clearly aimed at deterring the West from supporting Ukraine in potential strikes against Russia.
The updated doctrine suggests a significant lowering of the threshold for the possible use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, as Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons could be used in response to a conventional attack posing a “critical threat to our sovereignty.” This vague statement leaves room for broad interpretation and raises concerns about the conditions under which Russia may resort to nuclear weapons.
The move comes as Russia continues to make gains in Ukraine, and as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks Western approval to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russia. Putin’s warning that such actions would lead to war between Russia and NATO underscores the gravity of the situation.
Critics of the current nuclear doctrine have argued that it is too vague and has failed to deter the West from supporting Ukraine. The revised doctrine broadens the triggers for nuclear weapons use, indicating that any aerial attack could potentially trigger a nuclear response.
As tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and the implications of Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine. The deliberate ambiguity in the new phrasing is intended to make the West more reluctant to allow longer-range strikes, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the region.
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