Russian President Vladimir Putin announced updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine on Tuesday. He stated that Russia might consider using nuclear weapons if attacked by conventional missiles supported by a nuclear power.
This change comes in response to reports that the U.S. government, led by President Joe Biden, has allowed Ukraine to use American long-range missiles to strike targets deep within Russia.
The updated policy outlines scenarios where Russia’s leadership might consider a nuclear response. It mentions that an attack using conventional missiles, drones, or other aircraft could meet these criteria. Additionally, it highlights that any aggression against Russia by a coalition member would be treated as an attack by the entire coalition.
Just before the U.S. presidential elections, Putin approved revisions stating that any conventional attack on Russia backed by a nuclear power could be seen as a joint assault.
The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to the most serious standoff between Russia and Western nations since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, a moment when the world came dangerously close to nuclear war.
