Kremlin updates nuclear policy to allow potential atomic response to conventional attacks
The Kremlin has updated its nuclear policy, allowing President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons in response to conventional attacks, especially if backed by a nuclear power. This change lowers the threshold for nuclear response compared to previous guidelines. The revised document, signed by Putin, specifies conditions under which nuclear weapons could be deployed. It includes scenarios where conventional strikes threaten Russia's sovereignty or involve support from nuclear powers, such as the U.S. supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that attacks on Russian territory could trigger a nuclear response. This marks a significant shift in Russia's stance, as it explicitly acknowledges the potential for nuclear action in response to conventional military threats.