Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday that Russia may use nuclear weapons if struck by conventional missiles, especially if the attack is supported by a nuclear power. He announced changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, expanding conditions under which Russia might consider a nuclear strike.
The changes, prompted by U.S. and U.K. discussions about arming Ukraine with conventional Western missiles, also extend nuclear protection to Belarus. Putin emphasized that Russia could respond with nuclear weapons to any aggression involving nuclear-armed allies.
Russia’s doctrine already allows nuclear retaliation for conventional attacks that threaten the state’s existence, but Putin's clarifications broaden the scenarios under which Russia might act, including attacks by non-nuclear states supported by nuclear powers.
This shift in nuclear policy comes as Ukraine continues to push for long-range Western missiles to counter Russia’s offensive. Despite warnings of potential global war, Ukraine has urged its allies to ignore Russia's “red lines.”
The U.S. has previously cautioned Russia about the consequences of using nuclear weapons, and Putin reiterated that the nuclear triad remains crucial to maintaining global strategic balance.
