Moscow, (TDI): President Vladimir Putin has warned the West that Russia could deploy nuclear weapons if it was targeted with conventional missile.
He emphasized that any attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be regarded as a joint assault.
This announcement represents a significant change in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, prompted by discussions in the United States (US) and Britain about allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles against Russian targets.
During a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin explained that the adjustments were necessary due to a rapidly changing global landscape that poses new threats to the nation.
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Putin talked about specific conditions under which Russia might resort to nuclear weapons, including the detection of a large-scale missile, aircraft, or drone launch aimed at the country.
He also stated that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if it or its ally Belarus faces aggression, even if it is conventional.
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Russia’s current nuclear doctrine, presented in a 2020 decree, allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to nuclear attacks or conventional assaults that threaten the state’s survival.
The recent updates broaden the criteria for potential nuclear strikes and include Belarus under Russia’s nuclear umbrella.