Putin updates nuclear doctrine in response to US missile support for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has updated the country's nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike. This change comes after reports that the Biden administration may allow Ukraine to use long-range U.S. missiles against Russia. The new doctrine states that Russia could consider a nuclear response if it or its ally Belarus faces significant conventional aggression. This differs from the previous doctrine, which only allowed nuclear use in response to a nuclear attack or a conventional attack threatening state existence. Putin's changes emphasize that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be viewed as a joint attack. The updated doctrine aims to clarify Russia's stance on nuclear deterrence amid rising tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine.