Putin updates nuclear doctrine to lower strike threshold against U.S. threats
Russian President Vladimir Putin has updated the country's nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike. The new policy states that Russia may respond with nuclear weapons if it or its ally Belarus faces significant conventional aggression. Previously, Russia's doctrine allowed nuclear strikes primarily in response to nuclear attacks or existential threats. The updated version expands this to include conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers and mass assaults crossing Russian borders. The changes come amid heightened tensions with the U.S. over Ukraine, particularly following reports that the Biden administration may allow Ukraine to use American missiles against Russia. The Kremlin emphasizes that nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent against potential aggression.