Vladimir Putin intensified his nuclear rhetoric on Wednesday, warning that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if attacked by any state with conventional weapons. Speaking during a meeting with Russia’s powerful security council, Putin also announced changes to the country’s nuclear doctrine, reinforcing his stark warning to the West.
The comments represent Russia’s strongest threat yet against Ukraine and its Western allies, particularly in response to Ukraine's ongoing requests for long-range missiles, such as British Storm Shadow and US-made Atacms, to strike deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing for months to secure approval for these weapons.
Putin stated that Russia would contemplate using nuclear weapons if it received “reliable information” about an imminent massive attack involving missiles, aircraft, or drones. He further warned that any nuclear power aiding an attack on Russia would be considered an active participant in aggression, delivering a thinly veiled threat to Western nations currently debating whether to arm Ukraine with long-range missiles.
* The Guardian contributed to this article.
