Putin Updates Nuclear Doctrine to Include Conventional Attacks Backed by Nuclear States

Nov 19, 2024, 09:00 AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed Decree No. 991 approving an updated nuclear doctrine titled the "Fundamentals of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence," broadening the circumstances under which Russia may deploy nuclear weapons. The revised doctrine states that aggression against Russia or its allies, including Belarus, by a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack, potentially justifying a nuclear response. The policy allows Russia to respond with nuclear weapons to conventional attacks if they are backed by a nuclear-armed country. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that Ukraine's use of Western non-nuclear missiles against Russia could trigger a nuclear response under the new doctrine. The decision to use nuclear weapons remains solely with President Putin.