Putin approves new nuclear doctrine amid Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree amending the nuclear doctrine, allowing the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a threat to Russia's sovereignty.
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On November 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a new version of the nuclear doctrine, clarifying key conditions for the use of nuclear weapons, Russian media report.
According to the document, the launch of ballistic missiles targeting Russia is now officially recognized as grounds for a nuclear response. Furthermore, an attack on Russia or its allies, even by a non-nuclear state but with the support of a nuclear power, will be regarded as aggression with the potential use of the nuclear arsenal.
The doctrine specifically emphasizes that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to the sovereignty or territorial integrity not only of its own territory but also of Belarus. The decision to use nuclear weapons remains exclusively with the President of Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the use of Western-supplied missiles by Ukrainian forces against Russian territory, even if non-nuclear, could be considered grounds for a response under the new doctrine. According to Moscow, this move is aimed at strengthening nuclear deterrence amid escalating international tensions.
It is worth noting that U.S. President Joe Biden approved the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine on Russian territory, as reported by Brian Nichols, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State.
This decision is intended to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and deter Russian aggression. Nichols emphasized that the war began with Russia's invasion, and ending the conflict depends on the withdrawal of Russian troops. The U.S. hopes this measure will compel Moscow to return to negotiations.
Previously, it was reported that Russia conducted tests of "Yars" intercontinental nuclear missiles as part of a missile forces check amid tensions with the West, the Ukraine conflict, and NATO exercises.
It was also revealed that Vladimir Putin oversaw strategic nuclear forces exercises, during which practical missile launches were conducted to verify their readiness.