In a recent statement, Vladimir Putin suggested that Russia would consider an attack from a non-nuclear nation, if backed by a nuclear-armed country, as a “joint aggression.” This declaration has raised concerns about the possibility of nuclear weapons being involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During significant remarks on Wednesday night, the Russian president indicated that his administration was contemplating alterations to the regulations and prerequisites governing the use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
Ukraine, recognized as a non-nuclear state, continues to receive military assistance from the United States and various other nations possessing nuclear capabilities.
Kyiv is currently pursuing approval to deploy long-range Western missiles targeting military installations within Russia, as highlighted by his recent comments.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the United States this week, and a meeting with President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday was scheduled. The discussions are anticipated to focus primarily on Kyiv’s requests.
Ukraine has made significant advances into Russian territory this year, aiming to strike bases within Russia that it claims are responsible for launching missiles into Ukrainian territory.
In reaction to President Putin’s statements, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelensky, asserted that Russia has resorted to “nuclear blackmail” as its only means of intimidation on the global stage.
In previous statements, Putin has issued threats regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons. Ukraine has condemned the action as a form of “nuclear sabre-rattling” aimed at dissuading its allies from extending additional support.
China, a key ally of Russia, has urged for restraint, with reports indicating that President Xi Jinping has cautioned President Putin regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons.
On Wednesday, following a meeting with his Security Council, Putin revealed plans for a significant expansion.
A revised nuclear doctrine would “clearly establish the conditions for Russia to move towards the use of nuclear weapons,” he cautioned, noting that potential scenarios could involve conventional missile strikes targeting Moscow.
He stated that Russia might contemplate the “possibility” of deploying nuclear weapons should it observe the initiation of a significant barrage of missiles, aircraft, and drones targeting its territory, which would pose a “critical threat” to the nation’s sovereignty.
He stated, “The proposal suggests that any act of aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state if supported or participated in by a nuclear state, should be regarded as a collective attack on the Russian Federation.”
The Kremlin leader asserted that the nation’s nuclear arsenal serves as “the most important guarantee of security for our state and its citizens.”
Since the conclusion of World War Two, nations possessing nuclear weapons have adopted a strategy of deterrence. This approach hinges on the premise that any significant nuclear attack by conflicting states would result in mutually assured destruction.
Tactical nuclear weapons, characterized by their smaller warheads, are specifically engineered to eliminate targets while minimizing the risk of extensive radioactive fallout.
In June, Putin issued a stark warning to European nations backing Ukraine, asserting that Russia possesses “many more [tactical nuclear weapons] than there are on the European continent, even if the United States brings theirs over.”
“Europe lacks a comprehensive early warning system,” he stated. “In this context, they find themselves largely unprotected.”
He suggested potential alterations to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, the framework outlining the circumstances in which Moscow might deploy nuclear weapons.
