On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued stern nuclear threats to the West in reaction to conventional strikes from Ukraine targeting Russian territory. He unveiled an updated nuclear doctrine, emphasizing that any attack on Russia by a non-nuclear state, if it receives support from a nuclear power, will be interpreted as a “joint attack on the Russian Federation.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded dismissively, asserting that Russia relies solely on “nuclear blackmail” and that this tactic will fail to instill fear.
According to Putin, the revised doctrine outlines specific triggers for Russia’s potential use of nuclear weapons. These include confirmed reports of massive launches of hostile air and space assets violating Russian borders, involving strategic and tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic vehicles, and other flying devices.
Simultaneously, Zelenskyy announced plans to seek approval from the U.S. and European allies to deploy longer-range weapons, raising concerns among some of Ukraine’s supporters. The Biden administration has made it clear that it has not sanctioned any strikes by Kyiv on Russian territory using U.S. weapons.
Russia’s nuclear policy, as detailed in a 2020 decree, permits nuclear weapon use in response to either a nuclear attack or a conventional one that threatens the nation’s survival. Concerns regarding Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons have been prevalent, with the U.S. notably warning Putin of severe consequences.
The geopolitical backdrop underscores that together, Russia and the United States command 88% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, according to Reuters reports. This strategic imbalance adds gravity to the escalating rhetoric and countermeasures between the involved nations.
In essence, both Russia and Ukraine continue to navigate a treacherous path marked by nuclear posturing and strategic alliances, keeping the international community on edge.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/putin-issues-nuclear-warnings-to-the-west-over-strikes-from-ukraine/articleshow/113682080.cms
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