The Kremlin announced on Thursday that Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, which now allows the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states, should be viewed as a warning to the West.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed plans to expand Russia’s nuclear policies, permitting a nuclear response in the event of a “massive” air attack. The proposed changes also allow Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they are supported by nuclear powers, a thinly veiled reference to Ukraine and its Western allies.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the seriousness of the changes, stating they “must be considered a specific signal.” He added, “This is a warning to countries of the consequences if they participate in an attack on our country, even by non-nuclear means.”
Although he did not mention Ukraine directly, Peskov indicated that Russia’s adjustments to its nuclear deterrence are in response to rising tensions along its borders. He also clarified that there is “no question” of increasing Russia’s nuclear arsenal at this time.
These revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which President Putin has the authority to approve, come as Ukraine continues to seek Western approval to use long-range precision weapons to strike deep into Russian territory.
Ukraine argues that these weapons are necessary to target Russian airfields and military infrastructure used to launch attacks on its territory. However, Western powers, particularly the United States, are cautious about escalating the conflict further.
Throughout the war in Ukraine, Western leaders have accused Putin of irresponsible nuclear threats, with the Russian leader repeatedly signaling Moscow’s willingness to use its nuclear capabilities.
