Russia intends to revise its nuclear strategy
Russia's Military Campaign in Ukraine Prompts Nuclear Doctrine Overhaul, Says Kremlin
The Kremlin has announced plans to revise Russia's nuclear policy, justifying the move due to its actions in Ukraine and the conduct of the West, without providing a timeline for the changes.
According to reports, Russia's Foreign Ministry is considering altering its nuclear doctrine in response to the experiences of its "military special operation" in Ukraine and the West's behavior. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reportedly stated that certain aspects of the military doctrine, such as nuclear deterrence policy, require adjustment. However, Ryabkv declined to provide further details.
Ryabkov claimed that the new formulations are due to the increasing complexity of the international situation. He added that the work on the changes is still ongoing, and there is no scheduled completion date for a new doctrine. "Everyone should understand that we approach this issue extremely responsibly," Ryabkov stated. "This work will be carried out systematically and with the greatest responsibility."
The previous Russian nuclear doctrine prescribes the use of atomic weapons in two situations: if Russia experiences a nuclear attack or if a conventional attack poses an existential threat to the country. The ambiguous language has encouraged hawkish elements to pressure the Kremlin to toughen the doctrine by making Western powers take warning seriously.
As recently as November 2022, the Kremlin reiterated the defensive nature of its nuclear doctrine. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow reiterated then that the primary objective is "to prevent any military confrontation between nuclear powers." Russia maintains its deterrence policy by insisting that a nuclear war is unacceptable, and there are no victors in such a conflict. It stressed that such a war should never be allowed to escalate.
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In light of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, there have been discussions about revising Russia's nuclear weapons policy, aiming to strengthen its deterrence strategy. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, has suggested that certain aspects of their nuclear doctrine may require adjustment due to international complexities.
