Putin has approved the revised nuclear doctrine - what does it entail?

Putin has signed a decree outlining the foundations of state policy on "nuclear deterrence," approving an updated nuclear doctrine. This has been reported by Russian media.

The core principle of the doctrine is that nuclear weapons serve as a "last resort to protect the sovereignty of the Russian Federation." Conditions under which the use of nuclear weapons may be warranted have been specified.

The nuclear doctrine has been expanded to include a broader range of countries and military blocs that are subject to what is referred to as nuclear deterrence. Additionally, the list of military threats has been updated, outlining the circumstances that necessitate such measures.

Any aggression from a non-nuclear state, particularly if involving or supported by a nuclear country, will be regarded as a joint "attack on the Russian Federation."

Moreover, a nuclear response may be warranted in the event of a "critical threat to the country's sovereignty, even from conventional weapons." A nuclear strike could be justified in the case of a massive aerial assault using non-nuclear means, including drones.

Furthermore, the Russian Federation may deploy nuclear weapons in response to a critical threat to the territorial integrity of Belarus.

The nuclear doctrine indicates that the decision to use nuclear weapons rests with the president.