Putin Expands Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine to Include Non-Nuclear Attacks

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Putin Expands Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine to Include Non-Nuclear Attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced an expansion of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, suggesting that non-nuclear attacks on Russia or Belarus could prompt a nuclear response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an updated nuclear doctrine on Wednesday, expanding the circumstances under which Russia may resort to using nuclear weapons. Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Putin suggested that non-nuclear military aggression against Russia or Belarus, particularly when supported by nuclear powers, could trigger a nuclear response.

“We reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus,” Putin stated, clarifying that Russia’s response would be proportionate to any threat to its sovereignty, regardless of whether the attack was nuclear or non-nuclear.

The expansion of Russia’s nuclear doctrine highlights a growing concern over what Putin describes as increasing military threats posed by NATO and U.S. involvement in Ukraine. The Russian leader warned that the use of conventional weapons by any non-nuclear state, particularly with the support of nuclear-armed states, would be viewed as an attack on Russia, warranting a potential nuclear response.

Putin emphasized that an attack on key Russian infrastructure, such as its aerospace systems, would be another trigger for nuclear retaliation. “This includes strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic, and other airborne vehicles,” Putin said, emphasizing that Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine is a direct response to these emerging military threats.

The announcement comes after the U.S. and NATO granted Ukraine permission to strike deep into Russian territory using long-range heavy weapons, which are manufactured by U.S. and U.K. defense industries. Putin had previously stated that such strikes are evidence of NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict and drastically change the nature of the war.

“It would mean NATO, U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia,” Putin said in response to these developments. “If so, given this change, we’ll respond with the threats we face.”

Putin’s remarks on Wednesday also reiterated that Russia views nuclear weapons as a last resort, but the evolving geopolitical environment has necessitated adjustments to its nuclear policy. The latest developments underscore Russia’s strategic efforts to ensure deterrence in the face of what Moscow perceives as escalating NATO aggression.

On a broader scale, Russia’s nuclear posture revisions have been under consideration since at least June, when Putin hinted at potential updates to the country’s nuclear policy. During a June 21 meeting, Putin stressed the need for further development of Russia’s nuclear triad to maintain global strategic balance. These updates were seen as a response to ongoing discussions among Western military experts regarding the limited use of low-yield nuclear arms.

As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and NATO, Putin’s updated nuclear doctrine underscores the risks posed by any potential miscalculation in the ongoing conflict. The new policies could significantly alter the strategic calculus in the region, particularly as both NATO and Russia engage in military operations across Eastern Europe.

For more details on the ongoing conflict and Russia’s nuclear doctrine, read the full report here and here.

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