Russia Sends US Message Over Nuclear Tests
NewsweekSep 22
Putin Proposes Changes to Russia's Nuclear Doctrine
Above: Vladimir Putin during a speech at the ceremony of signing agreements on the annexation of the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions to Russia in 2022. Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Wednesday proposed new changes to the country's nuclear doctrine — a move widely considered a warning to the West against permitting Ukraine to use long-range weapons on Russian territory.
For months, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for restrictions to be lifted on his country's use of UK-provided Storm Shadow missiles, and US-provided ATACMS missiles. The request is expected to top the agenda when Zelenskyy meets US Pres. Joe Biden Thursday.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Putin's proposed changes to his country's nuclear doctrine are likely an attempt to breathe new life into Russia's saber-rattling — particularly at a time when Western countries are debating lifting restrictions on long-range weapons. Nonetheless, it's never good when a nuclear-armed country loosens its parameters over when such weapons can be deployed.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russia has no tool to intimidate global partners other than nuclear blackmail. These threats should be ignored, and certainly should not prevent Western countries from providing Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defeat Russia on the battlefield.
Pro-Russia narrative
The proposed changes to Russia's military doctrine are in direct response to the military and political threats the country is facing. These adjustments are essential to ensure that Russian citizens, and the Russian state, remain adequately protected.