On Tuesday, the Russian government released a decree, signed by President Vladimir Putin, that formalises updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The revised policy sets forth new criteria for the use of nuclear arms, with an emphasis on countering recent developments in U.S. military support to Ukraine, including permission for Kyiv to conduct long-range strikes against Russian targets.
According to the decree, a nuclear response could be considered justified in the case of “aggression against Russia and its allies by a non-nuclear state … with the support of a nuclear state.” This adjustment follows the reported authorisation by U.S. President Joe Biden allowing Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles—highly advanced systems enabling Kyiv to strike deep into Russian territory.
The doctrine outlines specific circumstances in which nuclear deployment may be warranted, including instances where an allied state, such as Belarus, faces a critical threat to its sovereignty. It also underlines that Putin alone will make the final decision on deploying nuclear weapons.
The doctrinal update comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the United States. On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that Washington’s decision to approve Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles introduces “a new round of tensions” and alters “the level of U.S. involvement in this conflict,” as reported by TASS.
Broadened Grounds for Nuclear Response
The updated doctrine codifies a wider set of conditions for nuclear action, addressing what Moscow perceives as emerging security threats. During a Security Council session in Moscow in September, Putin noted the need to adapt Russia’s nuclear policy in light of “new security challenges,” specifically naming situations where aggression by a non-nuclear state, if backed by a nuclear power, could be interpreted as a direct attack on Russia.
Additionally, the doctrine now includes protections for Belarus, with language indicating that Moscow might respond with nuclear force if significant threats to Belarus’s sovereignty or stability are perceived.
Defined Triggers and Aerospace Threats
One notable addition to the doctrine is the specific mention of aerospace threats—such as ballistic missiles, drones, and hypersonic weaponry—as potential nuclear triggers. The policy indicates that “reliable information” regarding an impending aerospace attack on Russia could justify a nuclear response, reflecting Moscow’s concerns about Western technological advancements in warfare.
The focus on aerospace defence illustrates Russia’s apprehension about high-tech weaponry potentially being used against it, especially as Western countries, including the U.S., continue to support Ukraine with advanced military systems.
