Putin May Change His Own Nuclear War Rules

Russian President Vladimir Putin may look to change the nation's nuclear doctrine amid an ongoing war with Ukraine.

On Friday, the Russian state-run news agency, RIA Novosti, reported that Putin delivered a speech at the recent St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and mentioned Russia's nuclear doctrine.

"This doctrine is a living instrument, and we are carefully watching what is happening in the world, around us, and do not rule out making some changes to this doctrine," Putin said, according to RIA Novosti. "I don't think that such a case has arisen."

According to Al Jazeera, Putin also recently spoke with several international news agencies and mentioned Russia's nuclear doctrine, saying: "For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it.

"We have a nuclear doctrine. Look what it says. If someone's actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially."

The doctrine allows Russia to use nuclear weapons if another country uses a nuclear weapon against them, or if "the very existence of the state is put under threat," Al Jazeera reported.

Since Putin launched his "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the United States has continued to show support for Ukraine. In April, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a foreign aid bill passed in Congress that provides Kyiv with $60.8 billion in aid to fight Russian aggression.

Earlier on Friday, top Russian official and Putin ally Valentina Matviyenko also made comments about the possible use of nuclear weapons.

"Personally, I don't feel like [we are on the verge of nuclear war], but the trends are not good," Matviyenko said on the sidelines at the forum, Russian state media agency Tass reported.

The Russian official said that as long as Russia's existence is not threatened, Moscow "will never use nuclear weapons."

"If there is a real threat to the existence of our state, a serious threat to our security and sovereignty, then, of course, we will use the entire arsenal, all the capabilities we have," she added.

Newsweek reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry via email for comment.

Additionally, Semafor reported on Friday that a senior U.S. official said the Biden administration must "adopt a more competitive approach to non-proliferation and arms control" and "make certain adjustments to our posture and capabilities."

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department via email for comment.

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