Putin issues “nuclear alert” to West; hints at possible nuclear response to conventional attacks on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a “nuclear alert” to the West and said he/she could vow to use nuclear weapons if the country is attacked by Ukraine with conventional missiles, Reuters reported.

During a meeting of Russia’s Security Council on Wednesday, Putin said Moscow would regard any attack backed by nuclear powers as a joint attack on itself.

Putin said, “It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, shall be regarded as their joint attack on the Russian Federation.”

“The conditions for transition to use of nuclear weapons by Russia are also clearly spelt out,” he/she said.

According to Reuters, the move to change Russia’s official nuclear doctrine was the Kremlin’s response to the West, which came after the US and Britain deliberated on whether they would allow Ukraine to attack Russia using conventional Western missiles.

According to Putin, these adjustments were necessary because the world was changing rapidly and posing new risks and threats to Russia.

According to Reuters, Putin said Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in addition to conventional weapons in the event of an invasion of Belarus by Russia or its partners.

he/she further said the clarifications confirm that nuclear doctrine is evolving and has been appropriately adjusted to address contemporary military threats facing Russia, Reuters reported.

Russian forces have reached the outskirts of Vuhlar, a key Ukrainian stronghold, as offensive operations in the area have intensified.

Ukraine has attacked a Russian ammunition depot, exposing the weakness of Russia’s military logistics.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited the US and reiterated the need for timely and uninterrupted military assistance to Ukraine. The US has increased the production of artillery shells and discussed joint arms production in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces have advanced into various areas, including the western part of Kursk Oblast, Vovchensk, and eastern Toretsk. However, the situation remains volatile and controversial.