New Nuclear Doctrine was sealed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 19, He stated that if any conventional strike on Russia is backed by nuclear state, it will be classified as Nuclear attack. This comes as the Russia Ukraine war reached its 1,000th day for Putin ‘s invasion on February 24, 2022.
Russian president’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that it extends Russia’s statuses that allow the use of nuclear weapons in case of being attacked with conventional weapons by another state and or ally including Belarus. The doctrine also warn that a large-scale air strike on Russia may provoke a nuclear strike, indicating Moscow’s desire to use a nuclear sword on the side of a shield.
The changes are in line with Putin’s approach to ratchet up threats as Western support for Ukraine intensifies. In particular, just days before that, US President Joe Biden allowed Kiev to strike Russia using long-range missiles produced in America.
Thus, the doctrine defines situations in which nuclear weapons could be used, but does not clarify the degree, the time or the place of its using. Such doubt demonstrates that Moscow wishes to keep the nuclear threat unpredictable that forms the part of the logic of nuclear deterrence.
Originally unveiled by Putin in September, the doctrine’s completion shows Russia’s readiness to fight for its interests intensively as it enters its third year of a costly conflict in Ukraine. By synchronising nuclear policy to its current military operations, Russia tries to portray might and escalates when it is attempting to fend off any more meddling by the West.
