Putin has approved new justifications for the use of nuclear weapons, including strikes with long-range missiles.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has approved the foundations of the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of nuclear deterrence, according to Russian media citing his decree. Previously, Putin announced changes to the Russian nuclear doctrine.

He has now confirmed the principle that Russia may use nuclear weapons in response to aggression against itself or Belarus involving conventional weapons that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia or Belarus.

Aggression by any state within the military coalition against Russia or its allies is considered aggression against the entire coalition, as stated in the document referenced by Interfax.

The approved foundations of state policy by Putin also state that aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state with the involvement or support of a nuclear state is regarded as a joint attack.

Nuclear deterrence will be applied in response to a potential adversary deploying air defense systems, intermediate and shorter-range missiles, precision non-nuclear weapons, and strike drones, as mentioned in the document.

The planning and conducting of large-scale military exercises by a potential adversary near Russia's borders is identified as another threat subject to nuclear deterrence.

The creation or expansion of existing military coalitions that bring infrastructure closer to Russia (clearly referring to NATO) will also be regarded as a threat warranting nuclear deterrence.

The document states that Russia views the potential use of nuclear weapons as a last resort and necessary measure.

Background. Recall that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded to The Times article regarding the alleged development of nuclear weapons by Kyiv.