U.S. sees no change in Russia's nuclear posture despite updated doctrine

Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine, allowing President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons in response to conventional attacks from non-nuclear nations supported by nuclear powers. This change lowers the threshold for nuclear use, particularly concerning Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied missiles. The revised doctrine, signed by Putin, states that any aggression against Russia, including conventional attacks backed by nuclear powers, could trigger a nuclear response. Kremlin officials have indicated that recent strikes on Russian territory could be seen as justification for such a response. Despite these developments, U.S. officials report no change in Russia's nuclear posture and see no reason to adjust their own nuclear strategy. The Biden administration continues to monitor the situation closely.