Putin issues nuclear threat to the West: Russia’s doctrine shifts amid Ukraine conflict

In a significant escalation of rhetoric, President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Wednesday that Russia may resort to nuclear weapons if it faces conventional missile strikes from Ukraine. The Kremlin's new stance signals a dramatic shift in its nuclear doctrine, particularly in light of discussions in the United States and Britain regarding the provision of Western missiles to Ukraine.

A response to evolving threats

Opening a session of Russia's Security Council, Putin emphasized that the adjustments to the country's nuclear policy were necessitated by an increasingly volatile global landscape that poses new threats to Russian security. The 71-year-old leader, who has ultimate authority over Russia's extensive nuclear arsenal, highlighted a crucial modification: any aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear power, will be deemed a joint attack on the Russian Federation.

Conditions for nuclear engagement

Putin detailed the conditions under which Russia would consider using nuclear weapons, asserting that the country would respond if it detected a large-scale missile, aircraft, or drone assault. He reaffirmed that Russia reserves the right to deploy nuclear arms not only in response to direct aggression but also in cases where ally Belarus faces conventional attacks.

Expanding the Nuclear Doctrine

According to Reuters, the clarifications made by Putin indicate a notable expansion of the scenarios under which Russia might initiate a nuclear response. This includes the incorporation of Belarus into Russia's nuclear defense strategy and the concept that a nuclear power's support of a conventional strike against Russia would itself be interpreted as an act of aggression.

The updates come amid concerns within the US regarding Russia's potential use of tactical nuclear weapons, which prompted CIA Director Bill Burns to caution Putin about the severe consequences of such actions. As tensions continue to mount, the world watches closely to see how these developments will unfold in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.