Putin expanded the conditions under which Russia can use nuclear weapons

Vladimir Putin. Screenshot from the video

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin announced the expansion of Russia’s doctrine of nuclear deterrence.

Source: Putin’s statement at the meeting of the Security Council, Russian edition “Meduza”

Details: Putin drew the attention of those present at the Security Council that in “the updated version of the document, aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is proposed to be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation.”

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The head of the Russian Federation expanded “the category of states and military alliances in respect of which nuclear deterrence is carried out.” The document also added a list of “military threats for the neutralization of which nuclear deterrence measures are being implemented.”

At the same time, the basis for a nuclear response will be “a critical threat to the sovereignty of the Russian Federation and conventional weapons.” Putin did not specify what “critical threat” means.

According to the Russian ruler, a nuclear response will follow if there is “reliable information about the launch of air-space attack means towards Russia.” These are “strategic and tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other aircraft.”

What preceded:

• In early September 2024, the deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Serhiy Ryabkov said that Russia intends to change its nuclear doctrine based on an analysis of the conflicts of recent years and the “escalation course” of the West.
• Earlier, the mass media reported that even before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia was preparing its navy to strike targets deep in Europe with missiles with nuclear warheads in the event of a potential conflict with NATO.