Putin Announces Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine, Including Belarus and Massive Air Attack Response

Sep 25, 2024, 06:45 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced significant changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine amid rising tensions with Ukraine and the West. During a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Putin stated that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia or Belarus by non-nuclear states supported by nuclear powers. He emphasized that any conventional attack on Russia, if supported by a nuclear state, would be considered a joint attack, warranting a nuclear response. Putin also proposed including Belarus in Russia's nuclear doctrine and expanding the list of conditions under which nuclear weapons could be used. He specifically mentioned that a massive air attack, cross-border attack, or the use of drones and cruise missiles would justify a nuclear response. This move is seen as a direct warning to NATO and Western countries, reflecting the dynamic changes in the current military-political situation.