Putin updates Russian nuclear doctrine after authorising Ukraine for long-range strikes

The moves came shortly after the White House authorised Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory. Ukrayinska Pravda writes.

According to the new doctrine, Russia can use nuclear weapons in case of a "critical threat" to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as if the country is attacked by ballistic missiles launched by a non-nuclear power backed by a nuclear power. The document also emphasises that the decision to use nuclear weapons will be made exclusively by the Russian president.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has already said that the use of Western non-nuclear missiles by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russia under the new doctrine could lead to a nuclear response.

These changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine come amid the US decision to provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles that can strike Russian targets deep inside the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on the permission to use the long-range missiles, said that "the missiles will speak for themselves", stressing the importance of this step for Ukraine's defence.