Putin Issues Stark Nuclear Warning to the West
Russia Could Respond with Nuclear Weapons to Conventional Attacks
Russia-President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West on Wednesday, stating that Russia could resort to nuclear weapons if faced with conventional missile strikes. He declared that any attack on Russia backed by a nuclear power would be regarded as a joint assault on the nation.
This shift in Russia’s nuclear doctrine responds to discussions in the U.S. and the U.K. regarding potential permission for Ukraine to launch conventional Western missiles into Russian territory. Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin highlighted the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving global environment that poses new threats to Russia.
The 71-year-old leader emphasized a critical change in the nuclear policy: “It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, with the involvement or backing of a nuclear state, be classified as a joint attack on the Russian Federation.” He further clarified that Russia’s conditions for deploying nuclear weapons would be outlined clearly, stating that Moscow would consider such an action if it detected a substantial missile, aircraft, or drone assault.
Putin asserted that Russia retains the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against itself or its ally Belarus, even if such aggression is conducted through conventional means. He indicated that these updates reflect the modern military threats faced by Russia, confirming a shift in its nuclear doctrine.
Currently, Russia’s nuclear policy, established in a 2020 decree by Putin, allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to nuclear attacks or conventional assaults that threaten the country’s survival. The updates outlined by Putin would broaden the scenarios in which Russia might contemplate a nuclear strike, encompass Belarus under its nuclear protection, and consider any nuclear-armed nation aiding a conventional attack on Russia as complicit in the aggression.
Concerns about Russia potentially utilizing tactical nuclear weapons prompted the U.S. to caution Putin about the repercussions of such actions, according to CIA Director Bill Burns.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant tensions between Russia and the West, reminiscent of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has persistently called on allies to enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with Western missiles, aiming to curtail Russia’s offensive capabilities.
As Ukrainian forces lose ground to advancing Russian troops, officials warn that the conflict is entering a perilous phase. Zelenskiy has urged Western nations to disregard Russia’s so-called “red lines,” while some allies have echoed this sentiment, despite warnings from Moscow of the risk of a broader conflict.
In response to Putin’s remarks, Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, stated, “Russia no longer has any instruments to intimidate the world apart from nuclear blackmail. These instruments will not work.” Both Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden have cautioned that a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO could escalate into World War III, a sentiment echoed by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Russia, holding the title of the world’s largest nuclear power, and the U.S. together control 88% of the global nuclear arsenal. During his address to the Security Council, Putin noted that discussions on amending the nuclear doctrine had been ongoing for the past year. He underscored the significance of the nuclear triad as a crucial guarantee of national security and a means of maintaining strategic parity in the global power dynamic.
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