Putin made these comments on Wednesday, Sept. 25, during a meeting of the Russian Security Council, where he unveiled crucial changes to the country's nuclear doctrine, reflecting the Kremlin's growing concerns over perceived military threats from the West.
During the meeting, Putin stated that Russia would consider nuclear retaliation if it received "reliable information" about a large-scale missile or drone assault against it. He emphasized that military aggression from any state, particularly if backed by nuclear-armed nations, could lead to a nuclear response.
"We reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus," he declared, underscoring the seriousness of the updated doctrine.
These statements mark Russia's most recent warning to Western nations regarding Ukraine's newfound capability to launch deep strikes into Russian territory using long-range weapons supplied by the United States, the United Kingdom and other allies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating to be given permission to use such advanced munitions, including the Franco-British Storm Shadow cruise missiles and U.S.-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, to target military installations deep within Russia, particularly airbases.
Putin claims change in nuclear policy is a response to NATO threats
Putin's response reflects a determination to deter such actions, suggesting that the use of these weapons would be tantamount to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) being directly involved in the conflict.
Putin articulated that any attack on critical Russian infrastructure – such as aerospace systems, strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles and drones – would also be viewed as grounds for nuclear retaliation.
"These emerging military threats necessitate adjustments to our nuclear policy," he asserted. This stance aligns with his long-standing view that NATO's involvement in Ukraine represents a direct challenge to Russian security interests.
Furthermore, Putin's remarks highlight an increasing concern over NATO and U.S. military involvement in the region. He warned that should Ukraine be permitted to strike Russian territory with long-range weapons, it would signify a shift in the nature of the conflict.
"If such permission is granted, it would mean that NATO, the U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia," he cautioned. In that scenario, he vowed that Russia would respond appropriately, though he did not specify what those measures would entail.
The updated nuclear doctrine comes in the context of rising tensions and ongoing discussions among Western military experts about the potential use of low-yield nuclear arms.
It also comes after influential foreign policy hawks in Russia have spent weeks urging Putin to adopt a more assertive nuclear posture, suggesting that lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons could serve as a successful deterrent against continued Western support for Ukrainian aggression. This shift in policy marks a departure from earlier rhetoric, where Putin had seemed to moderate his language regarding nuclear threats.
Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, dismissed Putin's revised nuclear doctrine, stating: "Russia no longer has any instruments to intimidate the world apart from nuclear blackmail. These instruments will not work." His comments suggest a belief that the international community will not be swayed by Russia’s threats, highlighting the potential for further escalation.
As tensions between Russia and NATO continue to rise, the implications of these developments could significantly alter the strategic calculus in the region. The potential for miscalculation is high, with both NATO and Russian forces actively engaged in military operations across Eastern Europe.
Watch this clip of President Vladimir Putin claiming that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons when threatened.
This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.
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