Russian leader, Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia would view an attack from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear-armed state as a “joint attack,” potentially implying a willingness to use nuclear weapons in the conflict in Ukraine.
During a speech on Wednesday, the Russian president indicated that his government is contemplating altering the conditions and prerequisites for the use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal. He has previously made threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons.
His statements come as Kyiv is seeking authorisation to use long-range Western missiles against military installations in Russia after it made inroads into Russian territory this year and aims to strike bases within Russia that it claims are launching missiles into Ukraine.
Ukraine has condemned this as “nuclear sabre-rattling” aimed at dissuading its allies from providing further assistance, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken labelling the remarks “completely irresponsible”.
Russian ally China has also urged for restraint, with reports suggesting that President Xi Jinping cautioned Putin against using nuclear arms.
However, following a Wednesday meeting with his Security Council, Putin announced the proposed significant expansion.
He stated that Russia would consider the possibility of employing nuclear weapons if it detected the commencement of a massive launch of missiles, aircraft, and drones into its territory, posing a “critical threat” to the country’s sovereignty.
“It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation.” He said.
The country’s nuclear arsenal is “the most important guarantee of security for our state and its citizens,” stated the Kremlin leader.
Since the conclusion of World War Two, nuclear-armed states have pursued a deterrence policy predicated on the notion that major nuclear strikes by warring states would result in mutually assured destruction.
However, there are also tactical nuclear weapons, which are smaller warheads designed to target without widespread radioactive fallout.
In June, Putin issued a warning to European countries supporting Ukraine, asserting that Russia had “many more tactical nuclear weapons than there are on the European continent, even if the United States brings theirs over.”
At that time, he had hinted at changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, the document that outlines the conditions under which Moscow would use nuclear weapons.
The Kremlin stated on Thursday that Putin’s changes should be viewed as a warning to the West.