Russian President Vladimir Putin has lowered the threshold for when Russia could use nuclear weapons, marking a significant shift in its defense policy. Putin’s new stance is aimed at discouraging any involvement by Western nations in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, especially those with nuclear capabilities.
Putin’s proposal would treat any attack on Russia by a non-nuclear country, if aided by a nuclear power, as a joint strike. This means Russia would reserve the right to respond with nuclear weapons. “Aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, will be considered as their joint attack,” Putin said during a Security Council meeting.
This policy change comes amid growing concerns in Russia over Ukraine’s access to long-range missile technology, which has enabled the country to strike deep within Russian territory. Putin’s warning appears aimed at deterring further Western support for Ukraine’s military efforts, which are now in their third year.
Additionally, Russia would consider a massive attack by air or space forces as grounds for nuclear retaliation, especially if these assaults crossed into Russian airspace or threatened its borders. Putin clarified that this policy shift does not mean an automatic nuclear response but signals that Russia holds this option open.
Russia’s current nuclear doctrine allows for nuclear action if the nation or its allies face an existential threat, even from conventional weapons. Putin’s move further escalates tensions between Russia and the West, signaling Moscow’s willingness to use nuclear power to protect its interests.
