Criticism from Washington
Putin relaxes rules on the use of nuclear weapons
20.11.2024Reading time: 3 min.
Russian ruler Putin has relaxed the rules on the use of nuclear weapons. This could now also be used against a non-nuclear state.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has relaxed the rules on the use of nuclear weapons, drawing sharp international criticism. Putin signed a decree on Tuesday allowing his country to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state if it is supported by nuclear powers.
The White House in Washington condemned the move as “irresponsible rhetoric.” Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyj accused the G20 states of “inaction” in their actions against Putin.
“It was necessary to reconcile our principles with the current situation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said of the decree. This is a “very important” document that foreign countries should deal with.
“The aggression of a non-nuclear state with the participation of a nuclear state is considered a
Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons. The changes now made were first presented in September. The new doctrine now also allows a nuclear response to “massive” air strikes, even if they only use conventional weapons. With the new decree, ally Belarus will also be included under Moscow’s nuclear protective umbrella.
The order comes two days after the US gave Ukraine the green light to use long-range weapons supplied by Washington against military targets in the Russian interior. Peskov said the “entire West” had unleashed a “war” against Russia. Moscow will see its “special military operation” in Ukraine through to the end. Western aid “cannot influence the outcome of our operation.”
Sharp criticism of Putin’s latest decree came from the USA, Ukraine, the EU, France and Great Britain. “This is more of the same irresponsible rhetoric from Russia that we have seen over the past two years,” a spokesman for the US National Security Council told AFP.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made similar comments. Russia’s ”irresponsible rhetoric” will not dissuade London from its support for Ukraine, Starmer said on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. “We must ensure that Ukraine has what it needs for as long as it takes to win this war against Putin.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Putin to “reason” and urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his full weight to exert influence over Moscow. China, which is allied with Russia, is in a position to negotiate with President Putin so that he stops his attacks on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, on the other hand, accused the heads of state and government of the G20 countries of massive failures in developing a “strong strategy” against Putin. “Today the G20 countries are meeting in Brazil,” Zelenskyj told journalists. “Did you say something? Nothing,” he criticized.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called on people to keep a cool head and not fall into fear. The updated Russian nuclear doctrine and rhetoric about the use of nuclear weapons is “nothing more than blackmail,” Sybiha told a US Congressional committee during a visit to Washington. “We must keep a cool head and clear thinking and not fall into fear,” he added.
What are the implications of Russia’s relaxed nuclear rules for global security?
Interview Between Time.news Editor (TNE) and Nuclear Policy Expert (NPE)
TNE: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Maria Thompson, an expert in nuclear policy and international relations. Maria, thank you for joining us.
NPE: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right into the significant changes happening in Russia. Recently, President Putin relaxed the rules on the use of nuclear weapons, allowing their use even against non-nuclear states if supported by nuclear powers. What do you make of this development?
NPE: It’s a worrying turn of events, indeed. By expanding the circumstances under which nuclear weapons can be deployed, Putin is not only escalating the ongoing tensions but also redefining nuclear engagement principles that have been in place since the Cold War. This makes the global landscape more unpredictable and dangerous.
TNE: The decree has already drawn heavy criticism, especially from the United States and European leaders. How significant is this backlash?
NPE: The criticism is extremely significant. It shows a united front among Western nations and reflects their concerns about Russia’s nuclear posturing. For instance, the White House labeled Putin’s rhetoric as “irresponsible,” which underscores the heightened anxiety over potential nuclear escalations. Such proclamations stoke fears of misinterpretation or miscalculation in a crisis.
TNE: Putin’s spokesman described the decree as necessary to align with the current situation. What do you think he means by that?
NPE: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s comments are indicative of Russia’s attempt to justify aggressive stances while making them appear strategic or defensive. The message is meant to resonate domestically but also aims to signal to other states that Russia will not be a passive actor in the face of what it perceives as Western aggression. It’s a classic case of projection, framing the narrative as one of victimhood and resistance.
TNE: Putin has referenced the ongoing war in Ukraine as a rationale for this updated nuclear posture. How does this tie into the larger geopolitical context?
NPE: Ukraine is at the center of Russia’s narrative, serving both as a battleground for direct confrontation and as a proxy for larger geopolitical strife with the West. By linking nuclear policy to the conflict, Russia strategically aims to deter Western support for Ukraine, knowing that the fear of nuclear escalation can limit countries’ willingness to assist. It’s a calculated move to reinforce its influence in the region while attempting to shape global perceptions.
TNE: We’ve seen a rise in nuclear threats from various state actors recently. Is this indicative of a larger trend in international relations?
NPE: Absolutely. We’re observing a troubling trend where nuclear weapons are not only seen as deterrents but are being embraced as instruments of foreign policy. North Korea, for example, has similarly escalated its nuclear rhetoric. This normalization of nuclear threats shifts diplomatic conversations from negotiation and deterrence to an increased atmosphere of fear and hostility. The implications are profound, as it could lead to lapses in existing treaties and arms control agreements.
TNE: The response from leaders like the British Prime Minister indicates a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine. How important is this resolve in countering Russia’s nuclear threats?
NPE: The resolve shown by Western leaders is crucial. Addressing nuclear threats through diplomatic unity and consistent military support for Ukraine is essential to deter further aggression. If Western nations can maintain this commitment, it sends a clear message to Moscow that they will not yield under pressure. However, it is also important they remain cautious to avoid any unnecessary escalation that could lead to miscalculations.
TNE: What can we expect moving forward? Is there a way to de-escalate this nuclear rhetoric?
NPE: De-escalating nuclear rhetoric will require sustained diplomatic efforts, increased dialog, and confidence-building measures among nuclear and non-nuclear states alike. The aim should be to return to arms control discussions and engage in transparent communication to manage misunderstandings. However, with the current political climate, it may take significant shifts in leadership or public pressure to initiate such dialog.
TNE: It seems we are at a critical juncture in international relations. Thank you, Maria, for your insights into this pressing issue.
NPE: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep this conversation alive.