Russia Sends US Message Over Nuclear Tests
NewsweekSEP 12 2024
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Wednesday proposed new changes to the country's nuclear doctrine — a move widely seen as a warning to the West against permitting Ukraine to use long-range weapons on Russian territory.
For months, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for restrictions to be lifted on his country's use of Storm Shadow missiles, provided by the UK, and ATACMS missiles, provided by the US. The request is expected to top the agenda when Zelenskyy meets US Pres. Joe Biden on Thursday.
In what appeared to be references to Ukraine and the US, Putin said: "It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation."
Putin's proposed changes to his country's nuclear doctrine are likely an attempt to breathe new life into Russia's saber-rattling — particularly at a time when Western countries are debating lifting restrictions on long-range weapons. Nonetheless, it's never good when a nuclear-armed country loosens its parameters for when such weapons can be deployed.
Russia has no tool to intimidate global partners other than nuclear blackmail. These threats should be ignored and should not prevent Western countries from providing Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defeat Russia on the battlefield.
The proposed changes to Russia's military doctrine are in direct response to the military and political threats the country is facing. These changes are essential so that Russian citizens, and the Russian state, remain adequately protected.