Putin revises nuclear policy to lower use threshold and emphasize deterrence

Vladimir Putin has revised Russia's nuclear policy, lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use. The updated document, titled “Basic Principles of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence,” emphasizes a defensive stance aimed at protecting national sovereignty and deterring aggression. The policy states that nuclear weapons are a last resort and outlines deterrence against individual states and military alliances that view Russia as a threat. It also asserts that aggression from any member of a coalition will be seen as an attack on the entire coalition. Additionally, the document allows for nuclear response if Russia or its allies face critical threats from conventional attacks. The final decision on nuclear weapon use rests with the President of Russia.