The new Russian nuclear doctrine, adopted today with a decree by President Vladimir Putin, defines the use of atomic weapons as “a means of deterrence as an extreme measure and last resort” for defense purposes. But it expands the possibility of its use based on the current situation, as explained by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The new doctrine replaces the one in force since 2014 and provides that the use of nuclear weapons must be decided by the president.
Sovereignty and integrity
Among the main changes introduced, the Tass agency underlines, the previous doctrine provided for the use of nuclear weapons only in the event that “the very existence of the State is threatened”. Now the concept is expanded, also providing for a nuclear response to a “critical threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Russia or Belarus, its close ally. A threat that comes from either an atomic or conventional weapons attack.
NATO and Ukraine
The document provides that any «aggression by a State that belongs to a military coalition (for example NATO, ed.) against the Russian Federation and its allies will be considered as an aggression by this entire coalition». Furthermore, an aggression “by a non-nuclear state with the involvement or support of a nuclear state will be considered a joint attack.”
When asked whether this means that Russia could also give a nuclear response to non-nuclear attacks by Ukraine using missiles supplied by Western countries, Peskov responded in the affirmative. “Yes, it is mentioned,” the Kremlin spokesman said. However, the criteria for a threat assessment are also set out in detail. Among these is the existence of reliable information on the launch of a “massive” attack on Russia with air and missile means crossing the state border.
Third states
The new doctrine establishes that a nuclear response can also be directed “against States that make available the territory, air or sea space and resources under their control for the preparation and implementation of aggression” against Russia.
The Russian nuclear arsenal
Russia is considered the world’s leading nuclear power, with nearly 6,000 warheads. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists However, it estimated that by 2022, 1,500 of these had been withdrawn for dismantling. Of those remaining, almost 1,600 would actually be deployed and ready for use, while the remainder would be “reserve”.
Of those operational, 812 would be installed on land-based ballistic missiles, 576 on submarine-launched ballistic missiles and 200 on heavy bomber bases. Nuclear warheads are commonly categorized as strategic, capable of reaching more distant targets, and tactical, which could be employed in theaters of war. It is estimated that Moscow has 1,900 tactical devices.