Putin Signs Decree Authorizing Potential Use of Nuclear Arms

Russian President Vladimir Putin signs a decree permitting the use of nuclear weapons under specific conditions, raising global concerns. 

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree permitting Moscow to deploy nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they receive support from nuclear-armed nations.

This development occurs on the 1000th day of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine, following the United States’ authorization allowing Kyiv to utilize long-range missiles to target military sites within Russia.

This action coincides with the 1,000th day of Russia’s assault on Ukraine and follows the United States granting Kyiv authorization to utilize long-range missiles against military targets within Russian territory.

The updated doctrine states that Russia may contemplate using nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear nation if it receives support from nuclear-armed countries.

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“Aggression by a non-nuclear state involving the participation of a nuclear state is regarded as a joint attack,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated to reporters on Tuesday, clearly alluding to Ukraine and its Western supporters.

“We had to align our principles with the present circumstances,” Peskov stated, describing the update as a “very important” document that ought to be “reviewed” internationally.

He stated that Russia “has consistently regarded nuclear weapons as a tool for deterrence,” and emphasized that they would only be used if Russia felt compelled to react.

Throughout the nearly three-year campaign against Ukraine, Putin has repeatedly issued nuclear threats, raising concerns in the West over what it has condemned as reckless rhetoric.

The new doctrine permits Moscow to initiate a nuclear response in the case of a “massive” air attack, even if conventional weapons are used.

When the Kremlin initially introduced the proposed changes in September, Peskov referred to it as a “warning” directed at anyone considering taking part “in an attack on our country by various means, not limited to nuclear options.”

Under the new doctrine, Moscow’s nuclear protection will also be extended to its close ally Belarus.

On the 1,000th day of the conflict, Peskov remarked that the “collective West” had initiated a “war” against Russia. He vowed that Moscow would continue its so-called “special military operation” until it reaches its conclusion.