Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, has signed a decree permitting Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they receive support from nuclear powers.
The decision follows the recent decision by the United States to allow Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles targeting military sites within Russia, and coincided with the 1,000th day of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that the new policy treats aggression from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power as a joint attack.
“Aggression by a non-nuclear state with the participation of a nuclear state is considered as a joint attack,” Peskov told reporters, in a clear reference to Ukraine and its Western allies.
“It was necessary to bring our principles in line with the current situation,” he said, describing the update as a “very important” document that should be carefully examined internationally.
Peskov reiterated that Russia considers nuclear weapons a means of deterrence and would only deploy them if compelled to respond.
The decree also specifies that Russia could launch a nuclear response in the event of a massive airstrike, even if the attack involves only conventional weapons.
Additionally, Moscow’s updated nuclear policy will extend to its close ally, Belarus.
Peskov reaffirmed that the Kremlin views its military actions in Ukraine as a confrontation with the “collective West” and vowed that Russia would see its “special military operation” through to the end.
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