![What is in Putin’s ‘nuclear doctrine’ that could trigger a Russian attack?](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/07/30/05/Russia_Nuclear_Doctrine_Explainer_99639.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
What is in Putin’s ‘nuclear doctrine’ that could trigger a Russian attack?
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If somebody’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all means at our disposal.” Now Russian hawks are urging him to change the doctrine to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons, and Putin says the document could be modified to take into account the evolving global situation. It describes nuclear weapons as “a means of deterrence,” noting that their use is an “extreme and compelled measure.” It declares that Russia “takes all necessary efforts to reduce the nuclear threat and prevent aggravation of interstate relations that could trigger military conflicts, including nuclear ones.” The document states that “nuclear deterrence is aimed to provide comprehension by a potential adversary of the inevitability of retaliation in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation and/or its allies.” What does it say will trigger using nuclear weapons? Russia could use them, the doctrine says, “in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, as well as in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is in jeopardy.” It says nuclear weapons could be used under the following specific situations: — If reliable information is received about the launch of ballistic missiles targeting the territory of Russia or its allies. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin conducts training with the forces and means of the ground, sea and air components of the nuclear deterrent forces in Moscow, Russia, October 25, 2023 Foreign affairs expert Dmitri Trenin, of the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, a state-funded Moscow think tank, suggests revising it to declare that Russia could strike first with nuclear weapons when “the core national interests are at stake,” like in Ukraine.
History of this topic
![Map reveals safest states during a nuclear attack on US soil](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/06/18/92880675-0-image-a-47_1733509339883.jpg)
Map reveals safest states during a nuclear attack on US soil
Daily MailPutin gives Russian security guarantees to ally Belarus, including possible use of nuclear weapons
LA Times![Why US, Russia are opting for brinkmanship instead of talks to end Ukraine war](https://images.firstpost.com/uploads/2024/11/landmine3-2024-11-d531af7d4fb7d464332cf38dcce9701f.jpg?im=FitAndFill=(1200,675))
Why US, Russia are opting for brinkmanship instead of talks to end Ukraine war
FirstpostRussia-Ukraine War: NATO’s New Missile Strategy Risks Nuclear Conflict While Europe Celebrates Christmas
The Hindu![Oreshnik missile strike nothing more than Putin’s ‘Reflexive Control’ strategy](https://images.firstpost.com/uploads/2024/11/ukraine2-2024-11-f006b137da73a699075affaabe0691f9.jpg?im=FitAndFill=(1200,675))
Oreshnik missile strike nothing more than Putin’s ‘Reflexive Control’ strategy
Firstpost![Putin threatens Ukraine in remarks after former-Soviet states security summit](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2943x1655+0+172/resize/1400/quality/100/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F80%2Ff1%2F24408b92464a9847fef3bc70ab9c%2Fgettyimages-2186623312.jpg)
Putin threatens Ukraine in remarks after former-Soviet states security summit
NPR![Kremlin warns 'a collision between the nuclear powers' is imminent now the West is firing missiles into Russia in latest threat of WW3](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/23/11/92404095-0-image-m-10_1732362000923.jpg)
Kremlin warns 'a collision between the nuclear powers' is imminent now the West is firing missiles into Russia in latest threat of WW3
Daily Mail![Putin: Russia to Use Experimental Missile Again After Ukraine Strike](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/h-upload/2024/09/12/1841306-putin.jpg)
Putin: Russia to Use Experimental Missile Again After Ukraine Strike
Deccan ChroniclePutin says Russia attacked Ukraine with a new missile that he claims the West can’t stop
Associated Press![Russia threatens nuclear response](https://www.abc.net.au/core-assets/listen/abc-listen.png?imformat=generic)
Russia threatens nuclear response
ABC![Mint Quick Edit | Don’t let the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalate further](https://www.livemint.com/lm-img/img/2024/11/19/1600x900/US-UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-DIPLOMACY-WEAPONRY-ATAC_1732024856965_1732024857171.jpg)
Mint Quick Edit | Don’t let the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalate further
Live Mint![Nuclear threat in Russia-Ukraine war? Who's saying what](https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/202411/russia-ukraine-nuclear-threat-200537551-16x9_0.jpg?VersionId=ndqJ5ngM.2D2YXP7J4KiovNO1X7mGNv_)
Nuclear threat in Russia-Ukraine war? Who's saying what
India Today![Kremlin warns of possible nuclear response if Kyiv uses Western-made missiles](http://img2.chinadaily.com.cn/images/202411/21/673e9546a310f1268d855af6.jpeg)
Kremlin warns of possible nuclear response if Kyiv uses Western-made missiles
China Daily![Kremlin warns of possible nuclear response if Kyiv uses Western-made missiles](http://img2.chinadaily.com.cn/images/202411/21/673e9546a310f1268d855af6.jpeg)
Kremlin warns of possible nuclear response if Kyiv uses Western-made missiles
China Daily![Russia starts mass-producing mobile nuclear bunkers capable of housing dozens and protecting against shockwaves and radiation - as Putin lowers threshold for launching nukes](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/19/18/92186009-0-There_are_more_than_200_prized_Russian_military_facilities_that_-a-15_1732040644475.jpg)
Russia starts mass-producing mobile nuclear bunkers capable of housing dozens and protecting against shockwaves and radiation - as Putin lowers threshold for launching nukes
Daily MailThe Kremlin has revised its nuclear policy. Does that make the use of atomic weapons more likely?
Associated Press![Putin signs a new nuclear weapons doctrine in warning to the West over Ukraine, details](https://www.opindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BeFunky-collage-2024-11-19T182014.365.jpg)
Putin signs a new nuclear weapons doctrine in warning to the West over Ukraine, details
Op India‘That means World War 3’: Putin signs new nuclear weapons doctrine; top Russian official says ‘missiles fired against…’
Live Mint![Putin signs new Russian nuclear doctrine after Biden's arms decision for Ukraine](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/h-upload/2024/11/19/1864111-aa-3434938.jpg)
Putin signs new Russian nuclear doctrine after Biden's arms decision for Ukraine
Deccan Chronicle![Putin Signs Decree Allowing Broader Use Of Nuclear Weapons As Ukraine War Reaches 1,000 Days](https://feeds.abplive.com/onecms/images/uploaded-images/2024/07/03/e4080cc262d892d3d46b5477495244441720005564591958_original.jpg?impolicy=abp_cdn&imwidth=1200)
Putin Signs Decree Allowing Broader Use Of Nuclear Weapons As Ukraine War Reaches 1,000 Days
ABP News![Vladimir Putin Signs New Doctrine Lowering Threshold For Using Nuclear Weapons](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/673c5eae2d0000320075b7d3.jpeg?cache=zNq0zo8vr7&ops=1200_630)
Vladimir Putin Signs New Doctrine Lowering Threshold For Using Nuclear Weapons
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Putin dares US with bold shift in nuclear policy amid Ukraine conflict
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Associated Press![Putin signs new Russian nuclear doctrine after Biden's arms decision for Ukraine](https://media.assettype.com/newindianexpress%2F2024-11-19%2Fs31ho2qh%2FAP24323395380852.jpg?rect=0%2C76%2C3776%2C1982&w=1200&ar=40%3A21&auto=format%2Ccompress&ogImage=true&mode=crop&enlarge=true&overlay=false&overlay_position=bottom&overlay_width=100)
Putin signs new Russian nuclear doctrine after Biden's arms decision for Ukraine
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Putin fine-tunes Russia’s nuclear doctrine after Biden’s arms decision on Ukraine, in clear signal to West
CNN![Russia revises nuclear doctrine as US allows Ukraine to use American missiles](https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/202411/vladimir-putin-190229510-16x9_0.jpg?VersionId=EKqJgYqUuLEEX6lX5JGWyvZtTwT2qZJZ)
Russia revises nuclear doctrine as US allows Ukraine to use American missiles
India TodayVladimir Putin signs revised Russian doctrine to lower threshold for potential nuclear strike
ABC![Putin fine-tunes Russia’s nuclear doctrine after Biden’s arms decision on Ukraine, in clear signal to West](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-2179849776.jpg?c=16x9&q=w_800,c_fill)
Putin fine-tunes Russia’s nuclear doctrine after Biden’s arms decision on Ukraine, in clear signal to West
CNN![Putin's BIG decision on nuclear weapons: 5 scenarios when Russia can use nuke against Ukraine | READ MORE](https://resize.indiatvnews.com/en/resize/newbucket/1200_-/2024/11/russia-new-nuclear-weapons-doctrine-1732013024.jpg)
Putin's BIG decision on nuclear weapons: 5 scenarios when Russia can use nuke against Ukraine | READ MORE
India TV News![Putin signs decree approving revised nuclear doctrine](https://img2.chinadaily.com.cn/static/common/img/sharelogo2.jpg)
Putin signs decree approving revised nuclear doctrine
China Daily![Putin's nuclear show of strength to Trump: Kremlin leader wastes no time rolling out terrifying ICBM missiles for war games hours after The Don's re-election](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/07/09/91792641-0-image-m-19_1730970463314.jpg)
Putin's nuclear show of strength to Trump: Kremlin leader wastes no time rolling out terrifying ICBM missiles for war games hours after The Don's re-election
Daily Mail![Putin Unleashes Nuclear Might in Simulated War with Russia's Nuclear Forces](https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/9ikxch/article68813747.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/Russia_Putin_15380.jpg)
Putin Unleashes Nuclear Might in Simulated War with Russia's Nuclear Forces
The Hindu![Putin launches drills of Russia's nuclear forces featuring retaliatory strikes](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/29/14/Russia_Putin_90893.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
Putin launches drills of Russia's nuclear forces featuring retaliatory strikes
The IndependentPutin Launches Nuclear Drills, Signaling Retaliatory Strike Against West
Associated Press![Nuclear Deterrence in a Strategic Labyrinth: Balancing Act in a Triangularized World](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/h-upload/2024/10/19/1853941-la-2862720.webp)
Nuclear Deterrence in a Strategic Labyrinth: Balancing Act in a Triangularized World
Deccan Chronicle![Russia tests nuclear unit as it rolls out ballistic missiles in latest threat to West](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/18/05/Russia_Nuclear_Arsenal_66664.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
Russia tests nuclear unit as it rolls out ballistic missiles in latest threat to West
The Independent![NATO will start an annual nuclear exercise as Russia threatens Ukraine's Western backers](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/10/12/Britain_Ukraine_NATO_51057.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
NATO will start an annual nuclear exercise as Russia threatens Ukraine's Western backers
The Independent![US scrambled to urge Putin not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Woodward book says](https://media.assettype.com/newindianexpress%2F2024-10-09%2Fdurftf5h%2FBob-Woodward.webp?w=1200&ar=40%3A21&auto=format%2Ccompress&ogImage=true&mode=crop&enlarge=true&overlay=false&overlay_position=bottom&overlay_width=100)
US scrambled to urge Putin not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Woodward book says
New Indian ExpressUS Warns Putin Not to Use Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine: New Book Reveals Sensitive Conversations
Associated PressRussia invokes its nuclear capacity in a U.N. speech full of bile toward the West
LA TimesRussia revisits nuclear doctrine to allow attacks on non-nuclear states in response to Western weapons in Ukraine
ABCPutin lowers threshold of nuclear response as he issues new warnings to the West over Ukraine
Associated Press!['Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if...': Putin warns West over Ukraine during 'secret meeting'](https://resize.indiatvnews.com/en/resize/newbucket/1200_-/2024/09/17272782821067013_russia_turkey_12636.jpg)
'Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if...': Putin warns West over Ukraine during 'secret meeting'
India TV NewsPutin lowers the threshold for a nuclear response in new warnings to the West over Ukraine
LA Times![In sharing nuclear secrets with Iran, Putin may have crossed his own ‘red line’](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/09/13/16/newFile.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
In sharing nuclear secrets with Iran, Putin may have crossed his own ‘red line’
The Independent![Will letting Ukraine use long-range missiles push Putin over the edge?](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/09/11/14/2024-09-11T132521Z_513416041_RC2CY9AOX6G1_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-USA-BRITAIN.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp)
Will letting Ukraine use long-range missiles push Putin over the edge?
The Independent![What will Russia's updated doctrine on use of nuclear weapons mean for the West?](https://media.npr.org/include/images/facebook-default-wide-s1400-c100.jpg)
What will Russia's updated doctrine on use of nuclear weapons mean for the West?
NPR![Why is Russia changing its nuclear doctrine amid the Ukraine war?](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AP24240582067642-1725342988.jpg?resize=1920%2C1440)
Why is Russia changing its nuclear doctrine amid the Ukraine war?
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