Moscow:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that expands the circumstances under which Moscow can use nuclear weapons, sending a clear message to the West and Ukraine. This decision comes on the 1,000th day of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, following the United States granting permission to Kyiv to use long-range missiles to target military sites in Russia.
The new doctrine states that Russia may consider using nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state if they are backed by nuclear powers.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that aggression by a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power would be seen as a joint attack, specifically alluding to Ukraine and its Western supporters.
The updated doctrine, according to Peskov, was necessary to align Russia’s principles with the current geopolitical climate and should be carefully examined internationally.
Russia has always regarded nuclear weapons as a deterrent and would only resort to their use if compelled to do so, as stated by Peskov.
Putin’s previous nuclear threats during the ongoing campaign in Ukraine have raised concerns in the West regarding what is perceived as reckless rhetoric.
The new doctrine also permits Moscow to respond with nuclear force in the event of a significant air attack, even if conventional weapons are used.
When the proposed changes were first announced in September, Peskov described it as a “warning” to those contemplating any form of attack on Russia, not necessarily nuclear in nature.
The new doctrine extends Russia’s nuclear protection to its ally Belarus as well.
On the 1,000th day of the conflict, Peskov accused the “collective West” of waging a “war” against Russia, asserting that Moscow would see its “special military operation” through to its conclusion.
(This article is unaltered by NDTV staff and is sourced from a syndicated feed.)
