Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated the stakes in the Ukraine conflict by adjusting Russia’s nuclear policies, making it easier for the country to justify using nuclear weapons. The changes come as Western nations continue to arm Ukraine in its fight against Russia, leading to fears of further escalation.
Putin outlined that Russia could use nuclear weapons if any non-nuclear country, backed by a nuclear power, launches an attack on Russia. “Aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, will be treated as a joint attack,” Putin said in a recent meeting of the Russian Security Council.
This announcement follows increased Ukrainian military efforts, including the use of long-range missiles provided by the West. Putin’s rhetoric appears aimed at discouraging countries like the United States and the United Kingdom from offering further military aid to Ukraine, signaling that their support could trigger a nuclear retaliation from Russia.
Additionally, Russia has expanded its nuclear defense to cover large-scale air or space attacks. Putin emphasized that while nuclear retaliation is not automatic, these new guidelines give Russia the flexibility to respond with force if necessary.
Russia’s previous nuclear doctrine allowed the use of nuclear weapons only if the survival of the nation or its allies was at risk. The revised policy, however, suggests that Moscow is ready to use nuclear force under less severe circumstances, increasing fears of a potential conflict between Russia and the West.
