Putin Signs Revised Nuclear Doctrine

Vladimir Putin signs a revised nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for Russia’s nuclear response and sending shockwaves through global markets.

At a Glance

Putin’s new doctrine allows nuclear response to non-nuclear attacks supported by nuclear powers.
The policy update coincides with the 1,000th day of the Ukraine war.
Global stock markets tumble as tensions between Russia and the US escalate.
The doctrine broadens conditions for nuclear weapon use, including responses to various air attacks.
Russia commits to reducing nuclear threats while expanding its deterrence policy.

Putin’s Nuclear Doctrine Revision: A Game-Changer in Global Politics

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a revised nuclear doctrine that significantly lowers the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons. This move comes as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly in light of the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.

The new doctrine states that any attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power could justify a nuclear response. This broadening of conditions for nuclear weapon use includes responses to air attacks involving ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and other flying vehicles. The policy update also extends Russia’s nuclear umbrella to Belarus, its close ally.

Global Markets React to Increased Tensions

The announcement of Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. Investors, wary of escalating tensions between Russia and the United States, have begun moving towards safe-haven assets.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index dropped 1.4%, reaching its lowest level since August. U.S. stock futures also declined, with Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 futures all experiencing losses. Gold prices rose, while the Japanese yen and Swiss franc gained against the euro and U.S. dollar, reflecting the market’s shift towards perceived safer investments.

Putin signs Russia's nuclear doctrine update into law https://t.co/6E9oxwJsk1

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 19, 2024

Implications for International Relations

The timing of this doctrine update is significant, coinciding with the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine. It also follows the U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to fire American missiles into Russian territory, marking a substantial shift in the conflict’s dynamics.

However, AP asked a spokesperson whether the decision was related to U.S.’s latest move, and the spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, merely said the doctrine was updated “in a timely manner.”

A Delicate Balance: Deterrence and De-escalation

Despite the alarming language in the new doctrine, the updated guidelines still emphasize nuclear deterrence against potential enemies while considering nuclear weapon use as an “extreme measure.”

The doctrine states that Russia is “making all necessary efforts to reduce the nuclear threat” and wants to prevent further escalations.

This statement expressing a commitment to reducing nuclear threats while simultaneously expanding deterrence policy underscores the complex and delicate nature of nuclear diplomacy in the current geopolitical landscape. As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely, hoping for de-escalation while preparing for potential further developments in this high-stakes global chess game.