Wed Nov 20 17:29:35 UTC 2024: ## Russia Expands Nuclear Doctrine, Citing Threat from US-Armed Ukraine
**Moscow, Russia** – Russia has significantly broadened its nuclear doctrine, announcing new conditions under which it could deploy its nuclear arsenal. The changes, approved by President Vladimir Putin on the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine, come in response to the US decision to supply Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles capable of striking Russian territory.
The updated doctrine states that an attack by a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack on Russia, triggering a potential nuclear response. This includes large-scale conventional attacks using missiles, drones, or aircraft, as well as attacks on Belarus or any action deemed a critical threat to Russian sovereignty. Aggression from a member state of a coalition against Russia will be viewed as aggression from the entire coalition.
The Kremlin claims the changes reflect the current geopolitical reality and urges other nations to carefully analyze the implications. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of the update, describing it as “a very important text.”
While Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to preventing nuclear war at the G20 summit, the move has been criticized by Ukraine as nuclear saber-rattling aimed at deterring Western support. Russia issued a warning on Monday about an “appropriate and tangible response” to the US provision of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, characterizing it as direct US involvement in hostilities.
The timing of the announcement, coinciding with reported Russian advances in eastern Ukraine and the impending delivery of US-supplied mines, further fuels concerns about escalating tensions. Analysts note that Russia has made more territorial gains since September than during the entirety of 2023. The updated doctrine represents a significant escalation of the conflict and raises the specter of nuclear confrontation.
First Piper 