Conflict
Putin’s swift response to Biden by approving new nuclear doctrine
On the back of the US president’s decision to allow Ukraine to fire into Russia, his counterpart has been quick to counter.
“The Russian Federation reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of nuclear weapons or other types of weapons of mass destruction against itself or its allies, as well as in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus – as participants of the Union State – with conventional weapons that pose a critical threat to their sovereignty or territorial integrity.”
This is the statement contained in the decree published this Tuesday morning by Russia, signed by President Vladimir Putin, in response to NATO and the EU lifting their restrictions on the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine. The move marks a significant shift and could alter operational strategies.
Russian updates to military doctrine
Russia had already acknowledged months ago that it was revising its military and nuclear doctrine in response to changes in the international landscape, particularly due to the war in Ukraine. In late September, Putin confirmed that Moscow had decided to introduce changes to “adjust its approach,” emphasizing that the use of such weapons is “an extreme measure” aimed at safeguarding “the country’s sovereignty.”
The new Russian nuclear doctrine further stipulates that this type of weaponry can be employed not only in response to a nuclear threat against Moscow but also against non-nuclear hypersonic weapons, drones, and ballistic and cruise missiles that pose a threat to Russian territory. This broadens the criteria previously established.
Increased US involvement in Russia-Ukraine war
The ratification of the decree comes shortly after the United States authorized Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range weapons to strike Russian territory. Moscow has responded by asserting that this decision escalates tensions and marks a further step toward Washington’s “direct involvement” in the conflict.
Although the exact quantity and models of long-range missiles provided remain undisclosed for security reasons, Ukraine now possesses a variety of such weapons. These include ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States, with a range of up to 300 kilometers, as well as Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles developed jointly by France and the UK.
Ukraine’s military arsenal
- Drones: Ukraine utilizes drones of various types for both surveillance and direct strikes. The Turkish TB-2 Bayraktar drones and modified kamikaze drones play a particularly important role.
- Artillery: High-precision artillery systems such as the HIMARS, provided by the United States, have been pivotal in targeting Russian ammunition depots and command posts.
- Cruise missiles: Ukraine is equipped with Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of approximately 560 kilometers and are known for their precision in hitting strategic targets. It also has SCALP-EG missiles, supplied by the UK and France, which offer similar long-range, high-precision capabilities.
- Anti-air systems: Ukraine has received MANPADS (portable air defense systems) and other anti-aircraft equipment.
- Gliding bombs: Both Ukraine and Russia use gliding bombs, which are effective in destroying defensive positions and buildings.
Why did Biden change tactics now?
President Biden’s decision to lift the restrictions on long-range missiles – whether with a range of 300 kilometers or 560 kilometers – has been criticized by some analysts as long overdue but is seen as strategically timely, given the political climate.
With Donald Trump poised to become the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025, the level of US support for Ukraine may shift dramatically.