In a strategic warning, Putin suggests Russia may use nuclear weapons if attacked, as he proposes expanding conditions for their use.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the West, hinting that Russia may consider the use of nuclear weapons if it faces an attack involving conventional missiles. His comments, made during a meeting of Russia’s security council, come as Moscow considers changes to its nuclear weapons policy, expanding the conditions under which it might launch a strike.
Putin’s remarks also targeted Western countries backing Ukraine, suggesting that any attack on Russia supported by a nuclear-armed nation could be treated as a joint assault on Moscow. “Aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state, but supported by a nuclear state, will be regarded as a collective attack,” Putin stated, laying out a key revision he is proposing to Russia’s nuclear doctrine.
Currently, Russia’s policy allows for the first use of nuclear weapons only if the nation’s security is directly threatened. However, Putin signaled a potential broadening of this stance, particularly in response to recent deliberations in the UK and US about providing Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of reaching deep into Russian territory. Among the weapons being discussed are British-made Storm Shadow missiles, which Kyiv has sought approval to use.
Putin’s comments coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s speech to the UN General Assembly, where Kyiv continued to push for Western support in its fight against Russia. The timing of the Russian president’s statements seemed designed to counter Ukraine’s appeal for more advanced weaponry from the West.
This move by Putin raises questions about whether these threats are a serious escalation or just more posturing. While the Russian leader has often invoked the possibility of nuclear action in recent months, many analysts note that Western support for Ukraine—whether through missile systems, battle tanks, or fighter jets—has so far crossed several “red lines” without any drastic retaliation from Moscow.
With the proposed legal changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, however, Putin is clearly attempting to redefine these boundaries. His emphasis on specific triggers, such as the use of air and space attack systems, drones, or hypersonic missiles, marks a more detailed framework for when Russia might consider using nuclear weapons.
Whether this signals an imminent threat or more rhetorical sabre-rattling remains to be seen, but the move has undoubtedly caught the attention of world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, who will now be assessing the seriousness of Russia’s latest nuclear posture.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved
