Putin signs revised nuclear doctrine lowering threshold for nuclear response

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a revised nuclear doctrine that lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The new policy states that a conventional attack on Russia, supported by a nuclear power, will be viewed as a joint attack. The updated doctrine allows for a nuclear response to massive aerial attacks, including those using missiles and drones. This broadens the conditions for nuclear use compared to the previous version, which focused mainly on ballistic missile threats. Additionally, the doctrine specifies that Russia could respond with nuclear weapons if Belarus, a close ally, is attacked. Belarus has allowed Russian military operations from its territory, strengthening ties between the two nations.