Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia would view an attack from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear power as a “joint attack,” raising concerns about the potential use of nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In significant statements made on Wednesday evening, the Russian president revealed that his administration is contemplating alterations to the conditions under which Russia might deploy its nuclear arsenal.
As Ukraine—being a non-nuclear state—continues to receive military backing from the United States and other nuclear-armed nations, these comments come as Kyiv pushes for permission to utilize long-range Western missiles against Russian military installations.
This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in the United States and is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday, where the request for missile support is expected to be a key topic of discussion. Ukraine aims to strike bases inside Russia, pinpointing locations that launch missiles into Ukrainian territory.
In response to Putin’s assertions, Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stated that Russia appears to rely solely on nuclear intimidation to exert influence globally. This is not the first time Putin has made threats regarding nuclear armament; Ukraine has labeled these remarks as “nuclear sabre-rattling,” aimed at discouraging its allies from enhancing support.
Meanwhile, Russia’s ally China has urged for restraint, with reports suggesting that President Xi Jinping has cautioned Putin against the use of nuclear weapons. Following a recent Security Council meeting, Putin announced plans for a significant update to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which would lay out specific conditions under which nuclear weapons might be employed. He emphasized that nuclear weapons act as the vital safeguard for Russia’s national security.
Putin warned that Russia could consider the use of nuclear weapons if it perceived a large-scale missile attack, drones, or aircraft as an imminent threat to its sovereignty. He stated that any aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state, supported by a nuclear power, would be regarded as a joint attack.
Historically, nuclear-armed states have adhered to a doctrine of deterrence, which posits that the threat of mutual destruction prevents major strikes. However, there also exists a category of tactical nuclear weapons, designed for specific targets without causing widespread fallout. Earlier this year, Putin warned European nations supporting Ukraine that Russia possesses a significant tactical nuclear arsenal, far exceeding what Europe holds, even with potential U.S. deployments.
Putin remarked that Europe lacks a comprehensive early warning system, rendering it vulnerable. His remarks indicate looming changes to Russia’s nuclear policy, which dictates the circumstances under which the country would utilize such arms.
