Putin signs decree expanding nuclear deterrence doctrine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new decree, officially approving the foundations of Russia’s nuclear deterrence policy. The revised document expands the conditions under which Russia could use nuclear weapons, stating that such an action could be considered “upon receipt of reliable information” about the “massive launch of space attack means” and their crossing into Russian territory.

The updated nuclear doctrine asserts that Russia views any aggression directed against it by non-nuclear states – if supported or participated in by a nuclear power – as a joint attack on Russia. This change comes amidst rising tensions with the West, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Putin had addressed Russia’s Security Council, proposing adjustments to the country’s nuclear policy that would allow for the use of nuclear weapons if cruise missiles, drones, or other aerial objects cross its borders en masse. This shift reflects growing concerns over Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons in the conflict.

The first statement about the potential use of nuclear weapons under these conditions was made by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, on September 14. Medvedev warned that if bans on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons were lifted, Kyiv could become a “gray, melting point.”

The move by President Putin comes in the wake of reports on November 17 that US President Joe Biden authorized the use of long-range missiles, including ATACMS, to strike Russian territory. According to Reuters, Ukrainian forces are expected to deploy American-made missiles in the coming days.