Russia Expands Nuclear Doctrine Amid Increased Tensions with the West
On November 19, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree updating and expanding Russia's nuclear doctrine, which now allows for the potential use of atomic weapons if the nation faces an attack from a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power. This significant shift comes shortly after reports surfaced that President Joe Biden granted Ukraine permission to utilize U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to target areas deep within Russia. The ATACMS possess a striking range of approximately 300 kilometers.
The newly revised nuclear doctrine indicates that Russia might consider deploying nuclear weapons based on reliable intelligence regarding a sizable attack initiated against it, particularly if missiles are detected crossing its borders. The decree marks a pivotal moment in Russia’s military posture, particularly regarding how it interprets aggression from non-nuclear states when supported by nuclear-armed nations. It states that such actions would be viewed as a joint attack against the Russian Federation; however, the specific circumstances that would trigger a nuclear retaliation remain unclear.
Additionally, the update broadens the list of countries and military alliances that Russia believes necessitate a nuclear deterrent strategy, as well as identifying various military threats that are deemed significant enough to warrant these deterrent measures.
The review and restructuring of Russia's nuclear policy were initially communicated by Putin during a meeting of the Russian Security Council on September 25, particularly in light of discussions regarding Ukraine's capability to carry out strikes deep into Russian territory. When questioned about the relation of this update to the American decision regarding Ukraine’s arms, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the timing of the update was consistent with Russia's current security considerations and not directly linked to U.S. actions.
As tensions continue to rise, the reported U.S. approval for Ukraine’s deep strikes has not yet received official confirmation from the White House. This decision follows Ukraine's persistent requests for permission to use Western-supplied long-range systems against military targets, demonstrating a growing willingness within the West to support Kyiv's military strategy.
In tandem with the U.S. arms support, European allies including Britain and France have equipped Ukraine with jointly developed Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of 250 kilometers. However, they have refrained from allowing their usage against targets further inside Russian territory. Moreover, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed on November 18 that Germany would not supply Ukraine with its long-range Taurus missiles, which can reach targets at a distance of 500 kilometers.
As the conflict enters what marks its 1000th day, these developments reflect heightened tensions in a region undergoing continuous military upheaval and diplomatic recalibration. The ramifications of these updates to Russia's nuclear stance could have far-reaching consequences for international security and the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
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