The Kremlin said on Thursday that an updated nuclear doctrine that would allow Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries should be seen as a warning to the West.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans on Wednesday to broaden Russia’s rules on the use of its nuclear weapons, allowing it to launch a nuclear response in the event of a “large-scale” air attack.
The proposals would also allow Moscow to respond with nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they have the support of nuclear powers – an apparent reference to Ukraine and its Western backers.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the planned changes “should be considered a specific signal”.
“A signal that warns these countries of the consequences if they participate in various, not necessarily nuclear, attacks on our country,” Peskov told reporters.
Without naming Ukraine, Peskov said Russia’s “nuclear deterrent is being adjusted due to elements of tension developing around the perimeter of our borders”.
He also said there was “no question” of Russia increasing its nuclear arsenal.
Moscow residents told AFP on Thursday they were concerned by the announcement.
“It’s always bad to use the threat of nuclear weapons. We don’t need another Cuban missile crisis,” said Dmitry, a 21-year-old student who declined to give his surname.
Vadim, a 43-year-old artist who gave only his first name, said: “There is definitely an increase going on, it’s worrying.”
For others, like Vladimir, a 60-year-old pensioner, the new theory could be beneficial and “make pretentious Europeans think”.
The move “could strengthen security and make people in Ukraine and the United States think,” said Igor Dykov, a retiree in Moscow.
“Europe will tremble because all the red lines have been crossed and they feel they cannot be punished for it. But we will not let them get away with it.”
Tatiana Nikiforova, a 49-year-old Russian teacher, deferred to her country’s leadership.
“We must trust our leaders, there is no other way,” he said.
The proposed change to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which Putin himself has the power to approve, comes as Ukraine seeks permission from Western allies to use long-range precision weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia. Have been – till now there has been no benefit.
Kiev says it is necessary to target Russian airfields and military infrastructure that it uses to launch attacks on Ukraine, though the White House is cautious about the possibility of escalating further.
The West has accused Putin of irresponsible nuclear strikes throughout the Ukraine conflict, with the Kremlin leader issuing several pointed threats regarding Moscow’s willingness to deploy its nuclear weapons.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
