Putin updates nuclear doctrine: New rules for strike authorization
Russia's leader Vladimir Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree updating the country's nuclear doctrine, according to Russia’s legal information portal.
According to the Russian outlet Meduza, the revised doctrine outlines new circumstances under which a nuclear strike could be justified, including:
- Aggression against Russia or its allies by a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear-armed state.
- Massive aerial attacks using non-nuclear means, including drones.
Key сhanges in Russia’s nuclear policy
In late September, Putin proposed revising the conditions under which nuclear weapons could be deployed. The updated policy now considers aggression by a non-nuclear state as a joint attack if supported or conducted with the participation of a nuclear-armed country.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Russia’s escalating nuclear rhetoric, labeling Kremlin threats as “irresponsible.”
More details on Putin’s nuclear statements and Ukraine’s response - in the RBC-Ukraine's material.
