Biden’s Decision Just Made Putin’s Threat Even Worse – The Nuclear Fallout Is Coming!

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a stark warning to the United States on Tuesday, lowering the threshold for nuclear retaliation just days after reports suggested that the Biden administration allowed Ukraine to fire American missiles deep into Russian territory.

In a significant shift, Russia’s updated nuclear policy, known as “The Basics of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence,” clarifies the circumstances under which Russia might consider deploying nuclear weapons. The new doctrine states that Russia, alongside its ally Belarus, would contemplate using nuclear force if they face an attack with conventional weapons that threatens their sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Previously, in a 2020 decree, the policy indicated that nuclear weapons could be used only in the event of a nuclear strike or an existential threat from conventional forces. However, the updated doctrine broadens this stance. It now includes the possibility of Russia responding with nuclear force if a non-nuclear state, supported by a nuclear state, launches a conventional assault on Russian soil.

The new doctrine also outlines that any mass aerospace attack—be it through aircraft, cruise missiles, or drones—on Russian territory could trigger a nuclear response. “Aggression against the Russian Federation and (or) its allies on the part of any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state is considered as their joint attack,” the doctrine warns.

This revision reflects Russia’s view of nuclear weapons primarily as a deterrent. Kremlin officials made it clear that the updated doctrine aims to send a clear message: any attack on Russia or its allies will lead to inevitable retaliation.

Together, the United States and Russia control 88% of the world’s nuclear warheads, and Putin remains the ultimate authority on any decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons in Russia.

Before the November 2020 US presidential election, Putin had ordered a review of the nuclear doctrine, and these changes have now been formally approved. Analysts had speculated at the time that Putin’s decision to alter the doctrine was intended to draw a “red line” for the West, signaling the dire consequences of further escalation.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, which reached its 1,000th day on Tuesday, marks the most intense confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis—the closest the two superpowers came to nuclear conflict. Tensions between Russia and the West have escalated over Ukraine, especially following reports that Ukraine may use US-supplied ATACMS missiles in strikes against Russian targets. While Washington has not confirmed the reports, the Kremlin is closely monitoring the situation.

Putin warned in September that allowing Ukraine to use such missiles would directly involve NATO nations, including the United States and European countries, in the conflict. “Western approval for such a step would mean the direct involvement of NATO countries,” Putin stated, pointing out that NATO military infrastructure and personnel would be required to target and fire the missiles.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that any form of escalation would make the West an active participant in the war. “Nuclear deterrence is aimed at ensuring that a potential adversary understands the inevitability of retaliation in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation and/or its allies,” Peskov remarked.

Tensions have continued to grow as the Biden administration has expressed concerns over Russia’s nuclear ambitions. In 2022, US officials, including CIA Director Bill Burns, warned Putin about the dire consequences of deploying tactical nuclear weapons.

In response, Russia has ramped up its preparedness, including the mass production of mobile bomb shelters. These shelters are designed to protect against both man-made threats, like nuclear attacks, and natural disasters, including radiation and shockwaves.

The rapidly shifting dynamics between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine signal a growing risk of further escalation, with the use of nuclear deterrence now a more prominent and immediate threat. The world watches closely, hoping the possibility of retaliation remains just that—an extreme deterrent rather than a reality.