Vladimir Putin Changes Nuclear Doctrine of Russia on Tuesday, by significantly lowering the threshold on use of nuclear weapons. The amended doctrine now states that Russia reserves the right of using nuclear weapons in response to a conventional aerospace assault supported by a nuclear power.

This amendment to nuclear doctrine of Russia is definitely a reaction to Joe Biden’s approval for use of U.S. Missiles by Ukrainian forces to strike inside Russian territory. Ukraine has been requesting for such a permission from the U.S., France, U.K., Germany & Other Western Countries since long time. Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown his intent clearly to leverage Russia’s nuclear to dissuade western countries & NATO from increasing the military support beyond the red line.

Pavel Podvig, a nuclear expert at the UN’s Institute for Disarmament Research, has highlighted a concerning interpretation of newly amended nuclear doctrine of Russia. This key change could pose significant risks to global nuclear restraint. The revised nuclear doctrine of Russia alters the definition of provocation that could trigger a Russian nuclear response.

The language now states that a nuclear attack could be justified if there is a “poses critical threat to the sovereignty and/or territorial integrity” of Russia, instead of the previous threshold of “puts the very existence of the state in jeopardy”.

In the meantime, Ukraine has quickly acted on the U.S. approval to use ATACMS missiles, striking targets inside Russia, reportedly in Bryansk. Russian officials have warned that this development represents a major escalation, potentially leading to World War 3.

“U.S. Approval of Ukrainian strike inside Russia. This is a very big step towards the start of World War Three.”

Vladimir Dzhabarov, 1st Dy Head of the Russian upper house’s International Affairs Committee

“The West has decided on such a level of escalation that it could end with the Ukrainian statehood in complete ruins by morning,”

Andrei Klishas, Member of the Federation Council, Russia’s Upper Chamber of Parliament

“The nuclear doctrine update was required to bring the document in line with the current political situation,”

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov

White house says it is not surprised of the amendment in nuclear doctrine of Russia, because Russia had been signaling for such a revision in the nuclear doctrine of Russia for several weeks and U.S. does not plan to adjust its own nuclear posture in response to Russia’s statements. The White House’s lack of surprise over this dangerous amendment underscores the complexities in international relations & ambiguities in NATO support to Ukraine, who is not a NATO member.

“Since the beginning of its war of aggression against Ukraine, it has sought to coerce and intimidate both Ukraine and other countries around the world through irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and behavior, despite what Russia says, neither the United States nor NATO pose any threat to Russia.”

Matt Miller of the State Department- United States of America 

“As we said earlier this month, we were not surprised by Russia’s announcement that it would update its nuclear doctrine; Russia had been signaling its intent to update its doctrine for several weeks,”

National Security Council, White House

Meanwhile, Nodic Nations like Sweden, Norway, Denmark & Finland have issued advisory to citizens to prepare & cope amid war or similar situations. These advisories include checklists of commodities to store for such harsh situations, like iodine tablets, easy-to-cook foods, backup power supply to survive in case of crisis days.

As nuclear doctrine of Russia changes, it is important for the international community to stay vigilant and proactive in managing these escalating threats to global peace. The potential for further escalation highlights the need for diplomatic efforts and strategic measures to prevent a broader conflict and ensure stability in the region.