Putin issues strongest-ever warning to West over Ukraine striking Russia
In the latest changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, Vladimir Putin has warned that the country would consider deploying nuclear weapons if attacked by any state using conventional weapons. He announced that, under the planned revisions, an assault by a non-nuclear power with the "participation or support of a nuclear power" would be considered a "joint attack on...Russian Federation." The comments marked Russia's most severe warning to the West to date against allowing Ukraine to attack Russia using long-range western missiles.
Putin's warning targets Ukraine's missile plans
For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking permission to use British Storm Shadow missiles and US-made Atacms missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory. Putin's comments appear to be a direct response to these requests. He stated that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if it received "reliable information" about the start of a massive missile, aircraft, or drone attack against it.
Russia's revised nuclear doctrine detailed
Putin further clarified the changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, stating that it now details conditions for using nuclear weapons more explicitly. These conditions include a massive air attack against Russia. "Conditions for Russia's move to use nuclear weapons are clearly stated" in the revisions, Putin said. According to Russia's current nuclear doctrine, the country may deploy nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear assault by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the state's existence.
Putin addresses modern military threats facing Russia
Putin emphasized that the changes to the nuclear doctrine are carefully calibrated and commensurate with the modern military threats facing Russia. "We see the modern military and political situation is dynamically changing and we must take this into consideration. Including the emergence of new sources of military threats and risks for Russia and our allies," he said, highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Belarus included in Russia's nuclear defense strategy
The revised doctrine also includes provisions for Russia to use nuclear weapons in response to aggression against its ally, Belarus. Putin confirmed that he has agreed on this issue with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko, who has been ruling Belarus for over 30 years, has allowed Russia to use his country's territory for military purposes and permitted the Kremlin to deploy some of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.
