Russia has escalated its nuclear rhetoric following Ukraine’s first use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to target Russian territory, with President Vladimir Putin signing a decree that expands the justification for deploying nuclear weapons.
On Tuesday, Moscow confirmed that Ukraine had launched six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles at a military facility in Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. Russian air defenses intercepted five of the missiles, while one was damaged but managed to strike its target. This marked a significant shift in the conflict, as Washington had recently authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against military sites inside Russia, a long-standing Ukrainian request.
In response, Putin signed a new decree that broadens the conditions under which Russia can use nuclear weapons. The decree allows for nuclear retaliation in the event of a conventional attack by a nation supported by a nuclear power, effectively extending Russia’s nuclear doctrine to include potential U.S. involvement due to its weapons supply to Ukraine.
Elsewhere, Russian airstrikes on the eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy devastated a residential building, killing at least 12 people, including a child. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, urging Western allies to increase military aid to secure a “sustainable” end to the war.
As Ukraine marks its 1,000th day of resistance against Russia’s invasion, Kyiv’s foreign ministry called on its allies to “force” Russia into peace, reaffirming Ukraine’s determination to never submit to Russian occupation. The Kremlin, meanwhile, reiterated its stance that the military operation would continue until its objectives were achieved.
The use of Western-supplied weapons in the conflict is increasingly seen by Moscow as a direct involvement by the U.S. in the war. In light of the ATACMS strike, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the new nuclear doctrine would allow Russia to consider a nuclear response if such attacks threaten its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
This escalation comes after Putin had already indicated a shift in Russia’s nuclear stance in September. The new nuclear doctrine is deliberately broad to leave Putin with flexibility, while also signaling to the West that any further escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences.
In addition to the ATACMS launch, Moscow also condemned the deployment of North Korean troops in the Russian region of Kursk to help defend against Ukrainian incursions. The involvement of foreign troops, including those from North Korea, was cited as an example of Russian escalation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Russia’s actions, calling them “irresponsible” and urging Putin to de-escalate the war.
The revised nuclear doctrine highlights the high stakes of the ongoing conflict, with both sides preparing for further escalation, and the international community grappling with the potential for wider involvement in the war.