Vladimir Putin. Photo: Gavriil Grigorov / AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved changes to the official nuclear doctrine, according to which the use of nuclear weapons is possible in case of missile attacks on Russia, even if they are carried out with conventional munitions, but with the support of a nuclear power. The changes were a reaction to reports of a US decision to allow Ukraine to launch long-range missiles at targets in Russia, Reuters reported .
Main provisions of the updated doctrine
The updated document defines that:
- Conventional strikes can trigger a nuclear response if they are carried out by missiles, drones or aircraft with the support of a nuclear-armed state.
- Aggression against Russia by a coalition of countries will be regarded as an attack by the entire coalition, which allows for the use of adequate measures, including nuclear weapons.
Putin signed the amendments a few weeks before the US presidential election, emphasising that any attack that targets Russia involving a nuclear power could be seen as a collective attack.
The war in Ukraine and global tensions
The Russian leadership believes that the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory increases the risk of NATO countries’ direct involvement in the war.
This escalation was a continuation of the worst confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear conflict.
The changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine appear to be an attempt to increase pressure on the West, warning of the dangers of supporting Ukraine.
Russia’s decision to update its nuclear doctrine demonstrates its desire to strengthen its position in the confrontation with the West. Western countries, for their part, continue to closely monitor the Kremlin’s actions, supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty. However, further deterioration of the situation poses significant risks to global stability.
