Putin updates nuclear doctrine to lower strike threshold in response to US support for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has updated the country's nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike. This change allows for a nuclear response to a wider range of conventional attacks, particularly those threatening Russia or its ally Belarus. The new doctrine follows reports that Ukraine used US-made missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. Previously, Russia's nuclear policy primarily focused on responses to nuclear attacks or existential threats. Putin's decree emphasizes that any attack supported by a nuclear power will be viewed as a joint attack. The updated doctrine aims to clarify Russia's stance on nuclear deterrence amid escalating tensions in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.