Could update to Russia's nuclear doctrine result in concrete actions? Expert opinion
Illustrative photo: Russia updates its nuclear doctrine (Getty Images)
Russia's decision to update its nuclear doctrine is unlikely to lead to the use of nuclear weapons. There is no logic in the statements made by Russian officials on this matter, states former spokesperson of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vladyslav Seleznov, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel.
Seleznov recalled that in 2022, Moscow could have decided to use nuclear components in the war, but this never happened. The reasons could have been effective behind-the-scenes diplomacy or other factors.
"Back then, it didn’t happen, so why should it this time?" the expert emphasized. "I’ve heard statements from both Putin and Peskov (Putin’s press secretary), claiming that changes to the doctrine grant Russia the right to use nuclear weapons. But words and documents are secondary. What truly matters are the real physical actions of the Russian army."
Seleznov pointed out that Peskov threatened that Russia would now use nuclear weapons if Ukraine struck Russian territory with Western missiles. However, he deceived, as for two years, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been using HIMARS and other Western weaponry to strike occupied territories that Moscow considers its own.
"Of course, this is all nonsense, inherently meaningless, but where’s the logic? If Russia considers Donetsk to be their city, just like Kursk, then how is a missile or drone strike on these territories any different? That’s why I think Putin’s statement this time, too, will have no practical significance," the expert added.
Update to the nuclear doctrine
Today, November 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree updating Russia's nuclear doctrine.
Notably, the doctrine now claims that “aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear state” could justify the use of nuclear weapons.
This step was taken after the US, the UK, and France allowed Ukraine to use transferred missiles for strikes on Russian territory.
