Russia updates nuclear doctrine, lowers threshold for atomic weapon use

courant.com

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new version of the country's nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons. The updated policy allows for a nuclear response to conventional attacks supported by nuclear powers, such as recent strikes on Russian territory. The revised doctrine outlines specific scenarios where nuclear weapons could be used, including threats to Russia's sovereignty and attacks on critical military facilities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that attacks by Ukraine using Western-supplied missiles could trigger a nuclear response. While the U.S. has not changed its nuclear posture in response, experts note that the Kremlin's acknowledgment of potential nuclear use marks a significant shift. The situation remains tense, with implications for international relations and military strategy.


With a significance score of 5.3, this news ranks in the top 1% of today's 18017 analyzed articles.

Get summaries of news with significance over 5.5 (usually ~10 stories per week). Read by 9000 minimalists.