Russia updates nuclear doctrine to lower threshold for use of atomic weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new nuclear doctrine that lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons, including in response to conventional attacks. This change comes amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine, where recent missile strikes have reportedly hit Russian territory. The updated doctrine specifies that Russia could use nuclear weapons if attacked with conventional weapons that threaten its sovereignty. It also states that any aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear power, supported by a nuclear power, would be viewed as a joint attack. Despite these changes, experts suggest that the likelihood of Russia actually using nuclear weapons remains low. Analysts believe the new doctrine serves more as a warning to deter Western support for Ukraine rather than indicating an imminent nuclear threat.