MOSCOW, Russia: Moscow is contemplating potential revisions to its nuclear strategy in response to heightened threats against Russia, as reported by the RIA state news agency citing Andrei Kartapolov, head of the Russian lower house’s defence committee.
President Vladimir Putin has recently hinted at the possibility of altering Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which outlines conditions for the use of nuclear weapons.
Kartapolov emphasized that adjustments to the doctrine’s provisions on the timing and circumstances for nuclear weapon use might be necessary if threats against Russia escalate further. He stressed, however, that it is premature to discuss specific changes at this time.
Russia’s current nuclear doctrine, established in 2020, dictates that nuclear weapons may be employed in response to a nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction attack, or in defence of the state when its very existence is threatened by conventional means.
Putin has indicated that while Russia retains the option to conduct nuclear tests if deemed necessary, he currently sees no immediate need to do so. The renewed discourse on nuclear capabilities coincides with escalating tensions between Russia and the United States, with both sides acknowledging the Ukraine conflict as entering its most precarious phase yet.
