Putin Updates Nuclear Doctrine as Tensions with US Rise over Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed on Tuesday a decree approving an updated nuclear doctrine, introducing a crucial shift.

The significant move comes two days after reports claimed that Joe Biden administration granted Ukraine permission to use US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike the Russian territory.

Under the updated doctrine, Russia can now treat an attack by a non-nuclear nation, if supported by a nuclear power, as a combined assault. This shift signals a potential change in how Russia might respond to external threats in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s announcement followed media reports on Monday that Ukrainian forces fired ATACMS missiles at a Russian military depot in Bryansk, a region inside Russian territory. This marked one of the most significant escalations in the 1,000-day conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declined to confirm if the attack was carried out by an American ATACMS missile, but he emphasized that Ukraine has long-range weapons and will employ them.

Asked whether such attacks could trigger a nuclear response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out the possibility. He pointed to the updated doctrine, which permits the use of nuclear weapons after a conventional strike that critically threatens Russia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Putin first proposed updating the nuclear policy during the September 25 Security Council meeting.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the Ukrainian strike in Bryansk a dangerous escalation. Speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, Lavrov warned, “If long-range missiles are used from Ukraine against Russian territory, we will see this as a Western-controlled operation and respond accordingly.”

Lavrov urged the Western allies to carefully review the updated doctrine, which underscores Russia’s readiness to defend itself and its ally, Belarus.

Russia possesses the world’s largest stockpile of nuclear weapons, with an estimated 6,257 warheads.

Ukraine has long sought permission to use ATACMS missiles for strikes within the Russian territory, claiming it needs the capability to counter Russia’s air superiority and supply lines. However, Washington has focused on avoiding an escalation that could spiral into a broader NATO-Russia confrontation. 

Moscow has repeatedly condemned the Western military aid, arguing it worsens the conflict and heightens the risk of NATO’s involvement. Russia has also accused the West of fuelling the conflict through NATO expansion and the deployment of weapon systems near its borders.