Putin warns of nuclear response to conventional missile strikes
Russia updates nuclear doctrine to respond to conventional missile attacks
Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to Western nations on Wednesday, stating that Russia might deploy nuclear weapons if struck by conventional missiles. He asserted that any attack on Russia supported by a nuclear state would be seen as a collective assault. This shift in Russia’s nuclear doctrine responds to ongoing discussions in the US and UK about allowing Ukraine to target Russia with Western missiles.
During a meeting with Russia’s Security Council, Putin explained that these changes address new global threats and risks. At 71, Putin remains the primary authority over Russia’s extensive nuclear arsenal. He emphasised a crucial update: aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, with the support or participation of a nuclear state, would be considered a joint attack on Russia.
Putin clarified that Russia’s conditions for transitioning to nuclear weapon use are now explicitly defined. Moscow would consider such a move if it detected a significant launch of missiles, aircraft, or drones against it. Furthermore, Russia reserved the right to use nuclear weapons if it or ally Belarus were attacked, even with conventional weapons.
Nuclear War Alert! Putin Publicly Says He Will Nuke NATO Countries If Western Missiles Strike Russia
In Response NATO Has Announced The Biggest Mobilization Drills Ever For Total War. pic.twitter.com/ti9SK65PjA
— World life (@seautocure) September 25, 2024
These adjustments reflect a broader scope of threats that might prompt a nuclear response, including extending protection to Belarus and considering support from a nuclear power in a conventional attack as an assault on Russia. The 2020 decree by Putin outlined that Russia might use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or a conventional attack threatening the state’s existence.
In 2022, the United States expressed significant concern about Russia potentially using tactical nuclear weapons, cautioning Putin about the repercussions. The ongoing Ukraine war, now over two years old, has intensified the tension between Russia and the West to levels not seen since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly urged allies to permit Ukraine to launch Western missiles deep into Russia, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s attack capabilities. With Ukraine losing key positions to advancing Russian forces in the east, the conflict is entering a perilous phase. Zelenskiy has called on Western allies to ignore Russia’s “red lines,” with some suggesting the US take stronger action, despite risks of escalating into a global conflict.
#ww3
BREAKING:
🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin:"We will use NUCLEAR weapons if a mass enemy missile or UAV is launched towards Russia, or when these weapons cross into Russian territory"@Megatron_ron pic.twitter.com/DuDXRr49v2
— Степа Степановић КиМ 1244 УСТАВ Србије (@SlobodaSrbiji) September 26, 2024
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, dismissed Putin’s threats, stating that Russia’s attempts at nuclear intimidation would fail. Both Putin and US President Joe Biden have warned that a direct Russia-NATO confrontation could lead to World War Three, with Republican candidate Donald Trump echoing concerns about the risk of nuclear conflict. Russia and the US together control 88% of the world’s nuclear warheads.
Putin informed the Security Council, consisting of his most influential officials, that amendments to the nuclear doctrine had been under consideration for the past year. He reaffirmed that the nuclear triad remains the cornerstone of Russia’s security and global strategic balance. Russia would consider using nuclear weapons upon receiving reliable information about a massive aerospace attack, including strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and hypersonic vehicles.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News: Russian President Putin says a nuclear nation supporting an attack on Russia will be considered an aggressor, tightening Russia’s nuclear doctrine in response to Western support for Ukraine. (Read more)
- NBC News: Putin threatens to provide weapons to attack the West over Ukraine’s strikes inside Russia, escalating tensions and nuclear rhetoric, despite Biden’s dismissal of Putin as a “dictator.” (Read more)
- Al Jazeera reports Putin warns the West that Russia may use nuclear weapons if its sovereignty or territory is threatened, citing its 2020 nuclear doctrine and recent military escalations. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Putin say about Russia’s nuclear doctrine?
Putin announced changes, considering attacks by non-nuclear states with nuclear state support as joint attacks.
Why is Russia changing its nuclear doctrine?
Russia’s changing doctrine is in response to new global threats and risks.
What would trigger Russia to use nuclear weapons under the new doctrine?
A massive launch of missiles, aircraft, or drones against Russia would trigger nuclear weapon use.
Does the new doctrine include Belarus?
Yes, Russia would use nuclear weapons if Belarus faced aggression.
How serious is the current confrontation between Russia and the West?
The confrontation is the gravest since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
