Putin Establishes New Guidelines for Russia's Extensive Nuclear Arsenal

 Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that Russia may resort to nuclear weapons in response to conventional attacks, marking a significant shift in the country's nuclear policy.

During a televised meeting of Russia's Security Council on Wednesday, Putin revealed that the proposed changes would classify any attack on Russia by a non-nuclear state, especially with the backing of a nuclear power, as a "joint attack on the Russian Federation." Putin has stressed that Russia could utilize nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack deemed a "critical threat to our sovereignty," a vague statement that allows for broad interpretation.

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized this as a clear warning to the West. He stated, "This is a signal to these countries about the potential consequences if they partake in an attack on our nation, using various means—not just nuclear."

In response, the European Union con
demned Putin's decision as "reckless and irresponsible." EU foreign policy spokesman Peter Stano remarked, "Once again, Putin is gambling with his nuclear arsenal. We strongly reject these threats."

The Ukraine Factor

As the primary decision-maker regarding Russia’s nuclear arsenal, Putin has the final say on any policy changes. The recent adjustments appear to significantly lower the threshold for Russia's use of nuclear weapons, coinciding with discussions among Ukraine's Western allies about supplying Kyiv with longer-range weapons capable of targeting deep inside Russia. This comes shortly after Kyiv's unexpected incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

Although Putin did not mention Ukraine directly, he indicated that the revisions to the nuclear doctrine were necessary due to a rapidly evolving global landscape that presents new threats to Russia. Since the onset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two and a half years ago, Russia has made slow but steady gains and aims to deter Western support for Kyiv.

Putin has made several veiled nuclear threats since the war began and has suspended Russia's participation in the New START treaty with the United States, which limits the number of nuclear warheads each side can deploy. In reaction, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Western nations to dismiss Russia's threats, while his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, described Putin's comments as mere blackmail.

"Russia has no tools left to intimidate the world except for nuclear threats," Yermak stated. "These tactics will not succeed."