Putin revises nuclear policy, signaling bold stance to US amid Ukraine conflict

In a significant escalation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new decree allowing for the use of nuclear weapons in response to major attacks on Russia, including drone strikes. This marks a substantial shift in Russia's nuclear doctrine amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The updated policy aligns with Putin's statements from September, where he hinted at revising the nuclear doctrine to reflect current global tensions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted the necessity of these changes, calling the new doctrine an essential document that international powers need to scrutinize.

Expansion of Nuclear Retaliation Criteria

The revised doctrine stipulates that any aggression from a non-nuclear state, particularly if supported by a nuclear power, will be treated as a coordinated attack against Russia, meriting a nuclear response. This policy change coincides with the United States' recent decision to allow Ukraine limited use of long-range missiles targeting Russian territory, a move Putin had previously warned against.

The decree now authorizes nuclear retaliation in case of significant conventional assaults on Russia, including drone attacks, thereby broadening the scenarios under which nuclear weapons might be deployed.

Strategic Implications and Global Reactions

Peskov emphasized that the doctrine update is a direct response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, suggesting that foreign governments should carefully study the implications. The timing of this announcement is critical, as it follows the US's controversial move to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles, a decision Moscow has condemned as dangerously escalatory.

Putin's decree underscores a growing readiness to leverage Russia's nuclear arsenal in response to perceived threats, reinforcing his stern warnings to the US and its allies against facilitating Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil.

As global tensions rise, this development marks a pivotal moment in international relations, signaling Russia's intent to adopt a more aggressive nuclear posture. The international community now faces the challenge of navigating this complex and potentially volatile situation, with the risk of escalation ever-present.