Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov Photo: Sergei Bobylev/TASS
The Kremlin is taking an increasingly hardline stance in response to Western support for Ukraine. In a new statement by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia emphasized its readiness to implement provisions of its recently updated nuclear doctrine amid rising Western involvement in the war.
“In this context (of increased Western involvement), we must, of course, make decisions and be prepared to execute them,” Peskov told Russian state broadcaster VGTRK, as reported by TASS and the independent outlet Meduza.
Peskov indicated that Russian military officials are closely monitoring Western actions, particularly the types of weaponry being supplied to Ukraine. “They are documenting direct participation of Western countries in the conflict and will not lose focus,” Peskov stressed.
According to Peskov, the primary reason for revising the nuclear doctrine is the participation of nuclear-armed states in the Ukraine conflict on Kyiv’s side. As a result, Russia has expanded the conditions under which it could resort to nuclear weapons. Among the new provisions is the right to use nuclear force in response to aggression by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power, or in the event of large-scale drone or air attacks.
On September 25, President Vladimir Putin announced these changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine during a Security Council meeting.
