Putin's nuclear doctrine revamp: Stern warning to the West
Vladimir Putin signed a decree regarding state policy on nuclear deterrence. The document was published and has already come into effect.
7:33 AM EST, November 19, 2024
The updated doctrine suggests that a nuclear attack could be justified by "aggression against the Russian Federation and its allies by any non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear state," as well as a massive air attack using non-nuclear means, including drones.
The document signed by Vladimir Putin states, among other things, that "Russia regards nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence, to be used only as an extreme and unavoidable measure."
"A decisive signal"
Shortly after the document's publication, Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, commented. He emphasized that the changes should be considered "a decisive signal to the West." This is a warning to those countries about the consequences if they participate in an attack on our country using various means, not necessarily nuclear ones," Peskov said.
For context, it's worth recalling that on Sunday, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden approved Ukraine's use of American weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia, as reported by Reuters, citing several sources familiar with the situation.