As Russia's war in Ukraine drags on, President Vladimir Putin is increasing pressure on the West, particularly the United States, by signaling a shift in Russia’s nuclear doctrine.
Wants to Pressure the West
The new policy highlights an expanded willingness to use nuclear weapons, even against non-nuclear countries, if they are aligned with nuclear-armed states like the U.S.
This doctrine change, while not entirely new, aims to heighten concerns in Washington, according to Ziare.
Russia has consistently viewed the U.S. as a key player in NATO’s military support for Ukraine, and Putin’s message seems designed to deter further Western involvement.
By updating its nuclear stance, Russia is creating a strategic ambiguity, sending a warning that any direct or indirect military threat could prompt a nuclear response.
Create Hesitation
Putin emphasized this shift during a September 25 Security Council meeting, where he discussed adjustments to Russia's “Principles of State Nuclear Deterrence Policy.”
He argued that changes in the geopolitical landscape, specifically the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, necessitated the move. The Kremlin is also responding to the growing presence of advanced Western weaponry in Ukraine, which has shifted the dynamics of the war.
The broader goal of these updates is to push back against Western military assistance to Ukraine. Putin’s strategy leverages the threat of nuclear escalation to influence the United States and its NATO allies, hoping to create hesitation in providing further support.
While these developments are concerning, many experts believe Putin’s nuclear threats are part of a broader political strategy rather than an immediate military plan.
