Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, warning that the country could respond with nuclear weapons to a conventional attack that poses a “critical threat” to its sovereignty. Putin emphasized that Russia could use nuclear weapons in response to an attack by a non-nuclear power supported by a nuclear state. The revisions come amid increased tensions with Ukraine and a changing global landscape that Putin views as posing new threats to Russia.
In response to Putin’s remarks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western powers to disregard Russia’s threats, calling them mere blackmail. Russia’s existing nuclear doctrine, set out in a 2020 decree, allows for the use of nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear attack or when the state’s existence is in jeopardy. The revised doctrine provides greater detail on when nuclear weapons could be used, including in response to a massive air attack.
The changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine have also raised concerns among Western policymakers, with experts warning that loosening the conditions for nuclear use could have serious implications. Putin also announced that the revised doctrine would bring neighbouring Belarus under Russia’s nuclear umbrella, further raising tensions in the region.
Russia, along with the US, controls the vast majority of the world’s nuclear warheads, with both countries holding significant power in the realm of nuclear deterrence. As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely watching for any further developments that could escalate the situation.
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