Putin Signs Decree Allowing Use Of Nuclear Arms, Amid Escalating Tensions with the West and Ukraine
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that significantly broadens the circumstances under which Russia could use nuclear weapons, sending a direct message to both Ukraine and Western powers. This move comes on the 1,000th day of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, following the United States’ decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles to target military sites within Russia.
The newly signed doctrine outlines that Russia could consider deploying nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state if that state is supported by nuclear powers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that any aggression by a non-nuclear state, particularly if backed by a nuclear nation, would be viewed as a joint attack, implicitly referencing Ukraine and its Western allies.
“It was necessary to adjust our principles to reflect the current reality,” Peskov said, describing the updated doctrine as an essential document that should be reviewed internationally. He emphasized that Russia has always regarded nuclear weapons as a deterrent and would only use them if absolutely compelled to defend itself.
Putin has repeatedly used the threat of nuclear escalation throughout the nearly three-year conflict with Ukraine, heightening fears in the West of potential catastrophic consequences. The new nuclear policy also includes provisions for Russia to respond with nuclear force in the event of a large-scale airstrike, even if the attack involves only conventional weapons.
When the potential changes to the doctrine were first introduced in September, Peskov called them a clear “warning” to any nation considering involvement in actions against Russia, whether nuclear or not. Additionally, under the revised policy, Russia’s nuclear deterrence umbrella will extend to its ally Belarus.
On the milestone of the 1,000th day of the conflict, Peskov accused the “collective West” of waging a “war” against Russia and reiterated Moscow’s determination to see its “special military operation” through to completion, signaling no end to the ongoing conflict in the near future.
