Putin updates nuclear policy in response to Ukraine's missile strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin has updated the country's nuclear policy, lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to conventional attacks. This change follows Ukraine's use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. The new doctrine allows for a nuclear response if Russia or its ally Belarus faces a critical threat from conventional attacks. Previously, nuclear weapons could only be used in response to nuclear strikes or existential threats to the state. Putin's administration warns that attacks on Russia supported by nuclear powers will be treated as joint attacks. The updated policy reflects heightened tensions as the Ukraine war enters a potentially dangerous phase.