Russian President Vladimir Putin has changed ‌Russia’s nuclear rules. These changes were made to make it easier for ‌military forces to use nuclear weapons. According to this rule, Russia’s military force is permitted to attack a non-nuclear nation that targets its land, particularly if the country has support from the nuclear nation. This rule seems to warn Ukraine and its Western allies. It is important to know the approval time for this changing rule. 

It came to light right after the United States allowed Ukraine to utilize its special missiles against Russia’s nuclear land. Many experts suggested that Russia made changes in its rules because it has a desire to scare Ukraine’s allies from sending more assistance by making the use of nuclear weapons seem more possible. To warn the West, Russia has again and again mentioned its strong nuclear power. However, the recent announcement of a change in rules makes the situation more dangerous and uncertain. 

Since 2020, Russia has first ‌updated its nuclear policy. This new policy significantly changes the conditions under which Russian military forces use the weapons. The new policy has now permitted the forces to use the weapons in order to overcome any threat that came from the enemy. Furthermore, the new conditions are more broader as compared to the previous one. The earlier policy required an existential threat to the state before considering nuclear retaliation. The update also extends Russia’s nuclear protection to Belarus. 

These modifications also open ‌more doors for Russia to easily justify itself by using nuclear weapons. Now the usage of weapons also doesn’t need any permission. According to Pavel Podvig, these modifications enhanced the range of potential nuclear-use scenarios; it does not mean automatic action. While some experts suggest that these changes may hinder ‌Russia’s success. This is because its red lines have been crossed multiple times without triggering a nuclear response.

Now the question is why Russia made changes to its nuclear policies. This is because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Ukraine is receiving more assistance from its Western allies. However, according to Ukraine, the nation does not receive aid at the right time. Due to its delays and restrictions, Ukraine always remains uncertain on how to use this help efficiently. 

The supportive nations of Ukraine have gradually provided more advanced weapons and allowed Ukraine to target military sites in Russia without a major response from Moscow.

Since the war began, NATO has added two new members. This addition weakened ‌Putin’s response to invade, which was to stop NATO from getting closer to Russia’s borders.

The sole Russian diplomat to resign because of the invasion, Boris Bondarev, stated that the primary goal of Russia’s new military approach is to intimidate its adversaries and prevent them from acting against it. This is a component of Russia’s larger strategy to maintain power and exert pressure on its adversaries.

According to him,

“If it comes to using nuclear weapons, no one will recall any doctrine. Putin will not ask for what the doctrine allows and what it doesn’t. Any commanders who would get the orders will not doubt them and will rush to execute,”

he said.

According to Podvig, nuclear deterrence is effective when one party has faith that the other will fulfill its threats. He thinks that in response to Russia’s nuclear threats, the international community should make it plain that such conduct is not acceptable. To send a coordinated message against nuclear threats, he recommends that the US and Europe collaborate with other nations, such as China and those parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

However, reliable threats are required for prevention to work. According to Hans Kristensen, a leader like Putin’s abiding shifting of his “red lines” or borders undermines the credibility of his threats. Additionally, he contends that the use of nuclear weapons in the fight in Ukraine would not advance Russian objectives and would result in a risky brush with NATO, which would be significantly more expensive for Russia.

In conclusion, reliable, consistent, and univocal threats are necessary for nuclear deterrence to work. To stop the rise and preserve stability, a robust, coordinated international reaction is necessary.