Since when Russia is waging a full-scale war with Ukraine, Vladimir Putin repeatedly threatens Western countries that it may use nuclear weapons. Such a move could lead to explosion nuclear war, the consequences of which cannot be predicted. However, in a decree from 2020, the President of Russia stipulated that he would only use nuclear weapons “in the event of attack nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state.” Although he has occasionally hinted that he would change this provision.
Will Russia Use Nuclear Weapons? It Is Preparing a Change to Doctrine
Back in June this year, Vladimir Putin reassured us that this was only a security measure and that he did not believe there was a real need to use such weapons. “The use is possible in exceptional cases, for example, when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country are at risk. I do not believe that such a case will occur. There is no such need,” he said, as quoted by Reuters Agency.
Several months have passed, and the Russian narrative is quite different. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that Russia is working on changing its nuclear doctrine. – Works are at an advanced stage and there is a clear intention to introduce corrections. This decision is related to the escalation of actions of our Western opponents in connection with the conflict in Ukraine – he said, quoted by Reuters. Russian propaganda speaks of “conflict” and not “war”.
Russia wants to “sob” the West
Reuters reports that some Russian military analysts have regularly urged Vladimir Putin to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons. Such a move would “sob” Russia's enemies in the West. So far, nuclear scares have done little for Russia. Both Europe and the United States regularly help arm Ukraine.