Decree signed by Vladimir Putin appeared on the Kremlin's official website a few minutes after 11 a.m. local time (9 in Poland – ed.)
“In order to improve the policy of the Russian Federation in the field of nuclear deterrence, I decide: 1. To approve the attached Foundations of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of nuclear deterrence,” the document reads.
Russia. A new doctrine of deterrence
According to the Russian propaganda agency TASS, the details of the new deterrence doctrine include a number of “definitive measures to protect the country's sovereignty“. The document has been updated “due to the emergence of new military threats and risks.”
In the prepared, among others, by the Russian Ministry of Defense document the category of states and military alliances was expandedwhich will be covered by the nuclear deterrence doctrine.
Unlike before, aggression by a state that does not have nuclear weapons, but with the participation or support of states that do have them, will be considered a joint attack on the Russian Federation. Due to these changes, the Russian military will be able to use all available means, including strategic nuclear weapons.
The updated doctrine also includes provisions regarding an attack on Belarus, as a member state of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. As determined, Russia's nuclear reaction may occur”in the event of a critical threat to its sovereignty“.
The document introduced detailed provisions regarding the mentioned “threat to sovereignty”. We are talking about “the mass launch of missiles from military aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and other aircraft and crossing the border.”
More information coming soon.