On the 1,000th day of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia issued a chilling reminder of the escalating conflict, with President Vladimir Putin signing a decree expanding conditions for using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. The decree asserts that non-nuclear aggression supported by nuclear states, like Ukraine with backing from the West, will be treated as a joint attack.

This move follows the Biden administration's approval for Ukraine to use U.S.-made ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia—a significant policy shift that has further intensified tensions. Ukraine reportedly launched its first attack using these missiles on a border region within Russia, marking a new phase in the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s determination to continue its military operation in Ukraine, dismissing Western support as ineffective in altering the war’s outcome. Peskov emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a deterrence tool but would be deployed if Russia feels compelled to defend itself.

The revised nuclear doctrine extends to Belarus, a close Russian ally, signaling Moscow’s intent to strengthen its deterrence strategy in the region. This comes as NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg warned against Putin’s nuclear posturing, describing Russia’s actions as reckless but not indicative of an imminent nuclear strike.

As the conflict grinds on, the toll on both nations is catastrophic. Over a million people have been killed or grievously injured, leaving Ukraine’s cities in ruins and displacing millions. Both nations face significant demographic challenges, with their shrinking populations further impacted by staggering wartime losses.

The war, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, continues to devastate lives and infrastructure while reshaping global geopolitics. Putin’s nuclear decree highlights the growing risks of escalation, even as the international community grapples with avenues to bring an end to the conflict.

On the 1,000th day of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia issued a chilling reminder of the escalating conflict, with President Vladimir Putin signing a decree expanding conditions for using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. The decree asserts that non-nuclear aggression supported by nuclear states, like Ukraine with backing from the West, will be treated as a joint attack.

This move follows the Biden administration's approval for Ukraine to use U.S.-made ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia—a significant policy shift that has further intensified tensions. Ukraine reportedly launched its first attack using these missiles on a border region within Russia, marking a new phase in the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s determination to continue its military operation in Ukraine, dismissing Western support as ineffective in altering the war’s outcome. Peskov emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a deterrence tool but would be deployed if Russia feels compelled to defend itself.

The revised nuclear doctrine extends to Belarus, a close Russian ally, signaling Moscow’s intent to strengthen its deterrence strategy in the region. This comes as NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg warned against Putin’s nuclear posturing, describing Russia’s actions as reckless but not indicative of an imminent nuclear strike.

As the conflict grinds on, the toll on both nations is catastrophic. Over a million people have been killed or grievously injured, leaving Ukraine’s cities in ruins and displacing millions. Both nations face significant demographic challenges, with their shrinking populations further impacted by staggering wartime losses.

The war, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, continues to devastate lives and infrastructure while reshaping global geopolitics. Putin’s nuclear decree highlights the growing risks of escalation, even as the international community grapples with avenues to bring an end to the conflict.