Russian President Vladimir Putin has amended his country’s nuclear doctrine in response to the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with U.S.-made missiles. The updated policy signals a lower threshold for nuclear weapon use, marking a sharp escalation in rhetoric as the war in Ukraine surpasses 1,000 days.  

Under the revised doctrine, Russia considers an attack by any non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear-armed country, as grounds for a nuclear response. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the policy change, stating that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against itself or its ally Belarus. The changes coincide with Ukraine’s reported use of U.S.-made ATACMS missiles to strike targets in Russia’s Bryansk region, actions Russia claims represent a dangerous escalation.  

This latest development reflects Russia’s consistent use of nuclear threats throughout its invasion of Ukraine. Over the past two years, Moscow has reacted aggressively to Western military aid, warning of dire consequences over the supply of tanks, air defense systems, and F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Experts see the revised doctrine as a clear attempt to deter Western nations from further supporting Ukraine with advanced weaponry.  

Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting critical civilian infrastructure as winter approaches. This dual strategy—military escalation paired with nuclear threats—appears aimed at pressuring Western allies to reconsider their military support. Analysts suggest the timing of these moves may also be influenced by the upcoming change in U.S. leadership, as President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to seek a swift resolution to the conflict.  

The updated nuclear doctrine underscores Russia’s shifting red lines. While Putin had previously reserved nuclear options for existential threats to the state, the new language broadens the definition of such threats. With the stakes raised on all sides, this development heightens the risk of further escalation in an already volatile conflict.