Putin decides to expand conditions for use of nuclear weapons

The Kremlin leader proposed making changes to the state policy regarding the conditions for using nuclear weapons. This issue was discussed by the President with Russian officials during a Security Council meeting on nuclear deterrence.

According to Putin, the updated version of the doctrine proposes "several clarifications" in the section outlining the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons.

Specifically, as Putin explained, the category of states and military alliances against which nuclear deterrence is directed has been expanded. Additionally, the list of "military threats for which nuclear deterrence measures are implemented" has been supplemented.

"In the updated version of the document, aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is proposed to be considered as a joint attack on the Russian Federation," the dictator added.

He noted that the possibility of using nuclear weapons by Russia "will be considered upon receiving reliable information" about a massive launch of strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic, and other airborne devices.

Putin also threatened that Russia could use nuclear weapons in the event of "aggression" against Belarus.

Notably, the Kremlin leader did not mention the Kursk region, where Ukrainian defenders have been conducting operations for over a month.

What preceded this

Ukraine has been regularly attacking Russia using drones. Recently, Ukrainian forces have used a significant number of drones for strikes against the aggressor.

According to RBC-Ukraine sources, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian ammunition depot in the Tver region on the night of September 21.

Additionally, the Shaykovka airfield, where TU-22M strategic bombers are based, was also targeted. Russia regularly uses these bombers to launch strikes against Ukraine.