President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree permitting Russia to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they receive support from nuclear powers.
The Kremlin announced a new policy on Tuesday, coinciding with the 1,000th day of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine.
This follows the US decision to allow Kyiv to deploy long-range missiles targeting Russian military sites.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that aggression from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power is considered a joint attack.
“Aggression by a non-nuclear state with the participation of a nuclear state is considered a joint attack,” Peskov told reporters, in a clear reference to Ukraine and its Western allies.
“It was necessary to bring our principles in line with the current situation,” he said, describing the update as a “very important” document that should be carefully examined internationally.
Peskov stressed that Russia views nuclear weapons as a form of deterrence and would only use them if forced to retaliate.
The regulation also states that Moscow may launch a nuclear reaction in the event of a large bombing, even if the attack solely uses conventional weapons.
Furthermore, Moscow’s modified nuclear strategy will apply to its close ally, Belarus.
Peskov reiterated that the Kremlin sees its military actions in Ukraine as a conflict with the “collective West” and promised that Russia will see its “special military operation” through to completion.
