Russia's nuclear doctrine received an upgrade this week after President Putin decided that even non-nuclear attacks by Ukraine and the West could necessitate a nuclear response from Russia.
Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Putin explained the types of situations that could prompt Russia to respond with a nuclear attack under the new stipulations to the Fundamentals of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence – watch below.
"We reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus," Putin told the room, further clarifying that Russia's response to any threat on its "sovereignty, regardless of whether the attack was nuclear or non-nuclear" will be proportionate.
Full video: Putin outlines changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine amid new global threats
President Vladimir Putin outlined plans to update Russia's nuclear doctrine, the Fundamentals of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence.
The core principle of nuclear weapon use remains the… pic.twitter.com/a7VqzYADDK
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) September 25, 2024
(Related: Over in the Middle East, Lebanon issued a similar "doomsday" warning against the West and its allies if Israel expands its war efforts.)
NATO's direct involvement in Ukraine warrants nuclear response from Russia
While still a last resort when all else has failed, the potential for Russia to use of nuclear weapons as a response to Western attacks is increasing as a result of the continually changing geopolitical landscape and new emerging military threats from the West, Putin said.
Russia's nuclear doctrine has already been updated in draft form, but the president still needs to sign it so it can go into effect. Putin notified the world in the above speech that these changes are set to be made as a warning to the West that Russia means business.
Escalating NATO and U.S. involvement in Ukraine leaves Russia with no choice but to respond in kind using nuclear weapons, if necessary, as a deterrent. Any attack on key Russian infrastructure, including its aerospace systems, will trigger nuclear retaliation.
"This includes strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic, and other airborne vehicles," Putin stipulated.
Putin's statements come after the U.S. and NATO granted Ukraine permission to strike targets deep within Russian territory using long-range heavy weapons manufactured by the U.S. and United Kingdom defense industries. Previously, Putin warned the world that these strikes serve as evidence that NATO is now directly involved in the conflict, which changes the nature of the war drastically.
"It would mean NATO, U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia," Putin said about these latest developments. "If so, given this change, we'll respond with the threats we face."
Putin first made mention of possible updates to Russia's nuclear doctrine back in June. At a June 21 meeting, Putin spoke about further developing Russia's nuclear triad to maintain strategic balance throughout the world. His comments came at a time when Western military experts were discussing the limited use of low-yield nuclear arms.
??Key statements by Vladimir Putin at the meeting of the standing conference of the Russian Security Council on nuclear deterrence:
??It is necessary to adapt the principles of state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence to current realities
??A deep and comprehensive… pic.twitter.com/EaxuvJWUsN
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) September 25, 2024
"We should have diplomats there," tweeted a journalism student about these latest developments.
"We should be working with each other so that no nation has to worry about defending itself with nuclear weapons, but here we are. NATO aggression will continue to make things worse for every living being on this planet."
Global nuclear war seems to be on the agenda in the coming weeks. You can keep up with the latest at WWIII.news.
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