Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning to the United States on Tuesday, stating that the threshold for a nuclear strike has been lowered. This comes shortly after reports surfaced that the Biden administration had given Ukraine permission to launch American missiles into Russian territory.
“The Basics of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence,” the updated doctrine, provides a comprehensive overview of the circumstances that would lead Russia, the largest nuclear power globally, to consider employing these weapons.
According to the new doctrine, Russia would contemplate using nuclear force in the event of aggression against itself or its ally Belarus, particularly if it involved the use of conventional weapons that posed a significant threat to their sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Russia’s previous doctrine, as outlined in a 2020 decree, stated that the country could deploy nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack from an adversary or a conventional assault that posed a threat to its survival.
A notable innovation involved recognizing a joint attack when a non-nuclear power is backed by a nuclear power in a conventional assault on Russia.
Russian forces have unleashed a devastating assault on Ukraine, launching a staggering 120 missiles and 90 drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The scale of this attack is truly alarming and demonstrates the significant military capabilities of Russia.
This aggression is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and poses a grave threat to regional stability. The international community must stand united in condemning these actions and supporting Ukraine in its defense against this unwarranted aggression.
If any aircraft, cruise missiles, or unmanned aircraft were to launch a mass aerospace attack and cross Russia’s borders, it could potentially prompt a nuclear response.
According to the doctrine, if a non-nuclear state engages in aggression against Russia or its allies, with the involvement or support of a nuclear state, it will be seen as a joint attack.
If any state within a military coalition, bloc, or union were to display aggression towards the Russian Federation or its allies, the entire coalition, bloc, or union would consider it an act of aggression.
According to the Kremlin, Russia views nuclear weapons as a form of deterrence and intends to emphasize the certainty of retaliation against any potential adversaries. The updated text aims to leave no doubts in the minds of those who might consider attacking Russia.
Putin reduces payouts for wounded Russian soldiers to only include those who are severely injured as the number of casualties increases.
Russia and the US jointly hold an overwhelming 88% of the global nuclear warheads. When it comes to the authority over Russia’s nuclear arsenal, Putin stands as the key decision-maker.
War is a tumultuous and disruptive force that has shaped the course of history. It has been a recurring theme throughout the ages, resulting in profound consequences for individuals, societies, and nations. From ancient battles to modern conflicts, the impact of war cannot be understated.
It has the power to bring out both the best and worst in humanity, showcasing acts of heroism and compassion, as well as acts of violence and devastation. War is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of experiences, from the frontlines to the homefront.
It affects not only those directly involved in the fighting but also innocent civilians, who bear witness to the destruction and loss that war inevitably brings. Regardless of the reasons behind it, war leaves an indelible mark on the collective memory of a nation and shapes its identity for generations to come.
The horrors of war serve as a reminder of the importance of striving for peace and understanding in our world. As the saying goes, “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” It is a stark reminder of the high cost of conflict and the need for diplomacy and cooperation to prevent future bloodshed.
In preparation for the November US presidential election, Putin made alterations to the nuclear doctrine several weeks in advance. Putin has officially approved those changes.
According to analysts, Putin’s motive behind the adjustment in the doctrine was to establish a clear boundary for the Western countries. The conflict in Ukraine, now in its 1,000th day, has sparked the most serious confrontation between Russia and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The Cuban Missile Crisis was widely regarded as the point at which the Cold War superpowers came closest to deliberate nuclear warfare.
The tension over Ukraine has escalated with the reported decision on the use of US missiles by the outgoing Biden administration. Although it has yet to be confirmed by Washington, the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia is seen as an escalation by Moscow.
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated on Tuesday that the Russian military is closely monitoring the situation amid reports that Kyiv might deploy US-made ATACMS missiles to support their military actions in Russia’s Kursk region.
In a statement made on September 12th, Putin emphasized that if the West were to endorse this action, it would result in the direct participation of NATO countries, the United States, and European nations in the Ukrainian conflict. This is due to the fact that NATO’s military infrastructure and personnel would be required to engage in the targeting and launching of these missiles.
According to Peskov, the purpose of nuclear deterrence is to make it clear to any potential enemy that there will be a retaliatory response if they act aggressively towards Russia or its allies.
According to Bill Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the United States expressed deep concern in 2022 about the potential deployment of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia. The US went as far as warning Putin about the severe consequences that would follow if such weapons were to be used.
Russia has commenced the large-scale manufacturing of mobile bomb shelters designed to safeguard individuals from an array of human-made dangers and natural calamities, which encompass radiation and shockwaves.