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Putin Approves Updated Nuclear Doctrine Allowing Broader Use of Nuclear Weapons

Nov 19, 2024, 08:37 AM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed Decree No. 991, approving an updated nuclear doctrine for Russia. The new 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 document emphasizes that the decision to use nuclear weapons will be made by Putin personally and that nuclear deterrence is among the highest state priorities of Russia. The updated policy, described by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as a "very important text," expands the scenarios under which Russia might use nuclear weapons, including in response to conventional weapons attacks involving drones and missiles. It also mentions that the detection of massive takeoff of air and space attack weapons can trigger nuclear deterrence. The doctrine asserts that the use of nuclear weapons is an extreme measure.