The West’s actions are prompting Russia to reconsider its nuclear deterrence framework, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, as reported by TASS news agency on Tuesday.
Vladimir Putin recently commented on the country’s nuclear doctrine, describing it as a “living instrument” capable of adaptation and change.
The characterization implies Russia’s willingness to adjust the doctrine in response to evolving circumstances. However, when asked for specifics about potential changes, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov declined to provide details during a statement on Tuesday.
Putin informed the media that Russia’s nuclear doctrine permits the use of nuclear weapons if another nation deploys them against Russia or if the state’s very existence is threatened.
Valentina Matviyenko, the chair of the Federal Council and a former governor of Saint Petersburg, expressed concerns about unfavorable trends but does not believe that Russia is on the brink of a nuclear conflict with Ukraine or any other countries.
Putin’s remarks follow a Politico report on May 30 alleging that President Joe Biden has discreetly authorized Ukraine to employ U.S.-manufactured weapons against targets in Russia.
