Putin Lowers Nuclear Response Threshold Amid Ukraine Attacks

In response to Ukraine's first use of U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian territory, President Vladimir Putin has revised Russia's nuclear doctrine to lower the threshold for potential nuclear strikes. This change allows Moscow to retaliate with nuclear weapons if attacked by a nonnuclear country supported by a nuclear state, such as the U.S. However, Western leaders, including U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed skepticism about the seriousness of Putin's threats, viewing them as attempts to deter continued Western support for Ukraine. Analysts note that while the rhetoric has escalated, the immediate risk of a nuclear exchange remains low, with the U.S. maintaining tight control over Ukraine's targeting decisions. Meanwhile, Russia's officials have warned that the strikes could signal an escalation towards World War III, reflecting heightened tensions on the 1,000th day of the conflict. Overall, the situation underscores the precarious balance of power and the dangers of nuclear rhetoric amid ongoing military actions.