Russia Revises Nuclear Doctrine Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia is updating its nuclear weapon doctrine in response to what it perceives as Western escalation in the Ukraine conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed the changes, indicating they are driven by Western actions. The existing doctrine, set in 2020, allows nuclear use under certain severe conditions.

Russia is set to revise its nuclear weapon doctrine in reaction to perceived Western escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, as quoted by state media on Sunday. The current doctrine, formulated in 2020 under President Vladimir Putin, permits the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a nuclear strike or a conventional attack threatening the nation's existence.

Military analysts with hawkish views have urged President Putin to lower the threshold for nuclear use to counteract Western adversaries. In June, Putin described the doctrine as a 'living instrument' that could adapt to global developments. Ryabkov's latest comments signaled the most definitive statement yet on imminent changes to the doctrine.

'The work is at an advanced stage, and there is a clear intent to make corrections,' Ryabkov told state news agency TASS, attributing the adjustments to Western adversaries' escalating actions related to the Ukraine conflict. Moscow accuses the West of waging a proxy war through Ukraine, which Western allies deny, claiming their support is purely for Ukrainian self-defense against Russian aggression.

(With inputs from agencies.)