Putin proposes new rules for Russia using nuclear weapons

Vladimir Putin has stated that if a non-nuclear country were to launch an attack with support from a nuclear-armed nation, Russia would view it as a "joint attack." This statement may be interpreted as a potential warning about the possible use of nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In important comments made on Wednesday night, the Russian president indicated that his administration was thinking about altering the guidelines and conditions under which Russia might deploy its nuclear weapons.

Ukraine does not have nuclear weapons, but it gets military assistance from the United States and other countries that possess nuclear arms.

His remarks come as Kyiv is looking for permission to deploy long-range Western missiles targeting military locations within Russia.

This week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky made a trip to the United States and is set to meet with President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday. A key topic for discussion will likely be Kyiv's requests.

This year, Ukraine has made incursions into Russian land and aims to strike military installations within Russia that it claims are launching missiles into Ukraine.

In reaction to Putin's statements, Andriy Yermak, who is the chief of staff to Zelensky, stated that Russia is left with nothing but nuclear threats to try and scare the international community.

Putin has previously warned about the possibility of using nuclear weapons. Ukraine has condemned this as "nuclear intimidation," aimed at discouraging its allies from offering additional assistance.

During an interview on MSNBC, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled the remarks as "completely reckless."

China, a close ally of Russia, has urged for a peaceful approach, with reports indicating that President Xi Jinping has advised Putin against resorting to nuclear weapons.

However, on Wednesday, following a discussion with his Security Council, Putin revealed plans for a significant expansion.

He cautioned that a revised nuclear strategy would "clearly outline the circumstances under which Russia could start using nuclear weapons." He added that this could happen in situations like traditional missile attacks on Moscow.

He mentioned that Russia might contemplate the "possibility" of using nuclear arms if it observed the initiation of a large-scale attack involving missiles, planes, and drones aimed at its territory, which would pose a "grave threat" to the nation's sovereignty.

He stated: "It is suggested that if any non-nuclear country shows aggression towards Russia, especially if they are backed or supported by a nuclear power, this should be regarded as a combined assault on the Russian Federation."

The leader of the Kremlin stated that the nation's nuclear weapons serve as "the primary assurance of safety for our country and its people."

Since World War Two concluded, countries with nuclear weapons have adopted a strategy of deterrence. This approach is founded on the belief that if rival nations were to initiate significant nuclear attacks, it would result in total destruction for both sides.

There are also tactical nuclear weapons, which are smaller nuclear warheads created to hit specific targets while minimizing the risk of extensive radioactive contamination.

In June, Putin cautioned European nations backing Ukraine, stating that Russia possesses "far more tactical nuclear weapons than those currently in Europe, even if the United States sends theirs over."

"He noted that Europe lacks a sophisticated early warning system, making them essentially vulnerable."

Back then, he suggested adjustments to Russia's nuclear policy, which outlines the circumstances under which the country would deploy nuclear weapons.

On Thursday, the Kremlin stated that the alterations mentioned by Putin should be seen as a cautionary message to the West.

Expanding on the announcement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed the press: "This should be seen as a clear warning – a warning to these nations about the repercussions they may face if they join in an assault on our country, using any method, not just nuclear options."

Peskov stated that Russia will decide whether or not to release the revised nuclear documents, mentioning that changes to the document regarding the country's nuclear deterrence strategy were in the works.