In a significant shift in nuclear policy, President Vladimir Putin has signed a directive altering Russia’s stance on the use of nuclear weapons. The directive lowers the threshold under which Russia might deploy nuclear arms, allowing for use when facing conventional military threats perceived as existential risks. This move is seen as a direct response to the United States’ recent decision to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities with long-range missiles. Detailed information can be accessed via JURIST.
The Kremlin justifies this adjustment as a necessary step to protect Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst increasing military tensions. Notably, the United States has authorized the transfer of long-range missile systems to Ukraine, intended to target strategic Russian military sites well behind the frontline. U.S. officials maintain that such actions are integral to fostering Ukraine’s defense amid ongoing hostilities by Russia. These developments occur against the backdrop of reports suggesting North Korean military support to Russia, thereby adding complexity to the conflict. More details on the U.S. policy shift can be found in a report by NPR.
Under the revised policy, any attack from a non-nuclear nation, when supported by a nuclear country, could be deemed a joint assault by Russia, potentially prompting a nuclear response. This was reported by the Russian state news agency TASS.
This alteration in nuclear strategy prompts questions about the impact on international law and conflict mitigation. Lowering the nuclear threshold challenges the principle of proportionality, a core aspect of international humanitarian law, and may erode long-standing legal norms governing military conduct and nuclear deterrence.