The term "nuclear doctrine" for Russia has resurfaced following President Vladimir Putin's remarks about the possibility of "changing it." Moscow has hinted at the use of nuclear weapons multiple times amid its ongoing war with Ukraine, which has lasted for over two years. On Thursday, Putin stated that Russia is considering "possible amendments" to its doctrine regarding the use of nuclear weapons, mentioning that it does not need to perform a "preventive" nuclear strike.
So, what is the "nuclear doctrine of Russia"?
Russia's nuclear doctrine comprises a set of rules established by the state to regulate the use of nuclear weapons. The current doctrine stipulates that Moscow "might use such weapons in response to a nuclear attack, or in the event of a conventional attack that poses an existential threat to the state."
However, an amendment was made to this doctrine about four years ago, permitting Russia to use nuclear weapons for deterrence, meaning it could initiate a "preemptive" nuclear strike without facing an attack.
The amended doctrine states that Russia is allowed to launch a nuclear strike if it acquires confirmed and reliable information about someone's intention to launch missiles against it. It also permits nuclear strikes in response to a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state, or if one of its allies is attacked with any form of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical, or biological) or if sensitive Russian sites face an attack.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, some Russian military analysts have called for Moscow to reduce the circumstances that allow for nuclear use.