Russia’s New Nuclear Doctrine: A Big Move After US Missile Aid?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

Russia revised its nuclear doctrine.
The new doctrine considers a conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power a joint attack.
This change follows the US allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles.
The new doctrine cites a large-scale air attack as a trigger for a nuclear response.
Russia’s move could increase international tensions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

Russian President Vladimir Putin revised his country’s nuclear doctrine on Tuesday. This revision comes on the 1000th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The new doctrine states that a conventional attack on Russia by any non-nuclear power supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack.

This change follows US President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the document was published “in a timely manner,” and that Putin instructed the government to update it earlier this year to be “in line with the current situation.”

The new doctrine says a large-scale air attack on Russia could trigger a nuclear response. It specifies that a massive air attack involving ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and other flying vehicles could result in the use of nuclear weapons.

This broader formulation significantly expands the triggers for potential nuclear weapons use compared to the previous version. The previous version stated that Russia could use its nuclear arsenal only if “reliable information is received about the launch of ballistic missiles targeting the territory of Russia or its allies.”

The revised doctrine also envisages the use of nuclear weapons in response to aggression against its ally Belarus. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled with an iron fist for over 30 years, relies heavily on Russian subsidies and support. He allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory to send troops into Ukraine and permitted the deployment of some Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Key Takeaways to Remember:

Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine has heightened tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war. The US supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles and Russia’s reactive measure have caused global concern. This development raises the specter of nuclear war.