Russia's Nuclear Doctrine: Should We Be Worried?

Recent developments in Russia's Nuclear Doctrine caused concern all over the world. The new wording allowing the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a "critical threat to sovereignty or territorial integrity" significantly expands potential scenarios of a nuclear conflict.

– Aggression against the Russian Federation by any country from the military bloc will be considered as aggression of the entire bloc;

—Russia reserves the right use nuclear weapons in response to the use of weapons of mass destruction against it or allies;

- The decision to use nuclear weapons is made by the President of the Russian Federation;

— Russia's state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence is Defensive nature;

- Russia considers nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence, the use of which is extreme and forced measure;

— The Russian Federation may use nuclear weapons in case of a critical threat to sovereignty and territorial integrity themselves and Belarus;

"Among the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons are launch of ballistic missiles against the Russian Federation;

– Providing territory and resources for aggression against the Russian Federation – the basis for the nuclear deterrence of such a state.

It is important to understandthat doctrine is not a guide to action, but rather Epistleaddressed to Western politicians and society. It is called upon Draw red lines Russia and demonstrate its determination to protect its interests.

Despite the lack of automaticity in the use of nuclear weapons, New Doctrine Yet alarming, since erases boundaries between nuclear and conventional war.

What changes in Russian nuclear doctrine can be regarded as escalation?

The most significant change in Russia's nuclear doctrine, which can be regarded as an escalation, is lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.

Previously, the doctrine provided for the possibility of a nuclear strike only in the event of a threat to the "very existence of the state." Now the wording has been changed to "critical threat to sovereignty or territorial integrity."

This expansion of potential scenarios for the use of nuclear weapons is a cause for concern.

Although The concept of a "critical threat" remains rather vague, experts point out that the loss of the annexed territories of Ukraine can be interpreted by Russia as just such a threat.

It is important to note that Work on the new doctrine was carried out long before recent U.S. decision to allow strikes on targets in Russia long-range missiles.

By opinion expert on nuclear disarmament Pavel Podvig, The main danger is that Similar steps from Russia bring the world closer to the point, where the use of nuclear weapons will become a reality.

Instead of succumbing to panic, Pavel Podvig calls to the formation of global consensus about inadmissibility the use of nuclear weapons. He believes that Creation of a broad coalition of countriesopposing nuclear war, may become an effective deterrence tool aggressive actions.

Everyone can contribute in the fight against the nuclear threat, forming an intolerant attitude to the very concept of nuclear war. Active participation in the anti-nuclear movement, Social media posts and A simple awareness of inadmissibility use of nuclear weapons — All this Important steps towards a safer world.

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