Russia's New Nuclear Doctrine Sparks Global Concerns

President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia's nuclear weapons doctrine, warning Western countries of serious consequences if they attack Russia. The alterations are a response to Western deliberations about permitting Ukraine to strike Russian targets. NATO officials criticized Russia's provocative nuclear rhetoric as dangerous and reckless.

President Vladimir Putin has signaled a significant shift in Russia's nuclear weapons doctrine, warning that any attack on Russia—even with conventional missiles—could lead to a nuclear response. This alarming update, formulated into a document titled 'The Foundations of State Policy in the Sphere of Nuclear Deterrence,' intends to caution Western nations about the repercussions of their involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow's stance, emphasizing that these changes serve as a definitive alert to the West amid what he described as an 'unprecedented confrontation' exacerbated by the participation of Western nuclear powers. Peskov added that a decision on whether to publish the updated nuclear doctrine would be made in due course.

Criticism poured in from global leaders, including NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who condemned Russia's nuclear rhetoric as 'dangerous and reckless.' The United States also took a firm stand, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling Putin's comments 'totally irresponsible' and underscoring the global disapproval of Russia's threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)