The Kremlin has clarified that recent changes to Russia’s nuclear weapons policy are meant to warn Western nations. Any involvement in attacks on Russia could bring serious consequences, including the possible use of nuclear weapons.
President Vladimir Putin recently announced that Russia could respond to conventional missile strikes with nuclear weapons, especially if the attack is supported by a nuclear-armed country.
The updates to Russia’s nuclear doctrine follow discussions in the U.S. and U.K. about possibly allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles to strike Russian targets.
A Message to the West
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that updates had been made to the policy document titled "The Foundations of State Policy in the Sphere of Nuclear Deterrence."
According to the Kyiv Independent, Peskov stressed that these changes are meant to send a direct message to the West.
"This should be considered a definite signal," he said.
Peskov emphasized that the revised doctrine warns of serious consequences if Western countries take part in any attack on Russia, even with non-nuclear weapons. He added that the world is witnessing an “unprecedented confrontation” due to the direct involvement of Western nations in the war in Ukraine.
The changes to Russia's nuclear policy have raised concerns among global leaders.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called Russia’s nuclear threats “dangerous and reckless” during a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations.
“We are closely watching what Russia is doing,” Stoltenberg said.
