What's happened
On the 1,000th day of the Ukraine conflict, Vladimir Putin revised Russia's nuclear doctrine, warning that any conventional attack supported by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint attack. This follows the US allowing Ukraine to strike targets in Russia, raising concerns about escalating tensions.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Holly Patrick from The Independent, Putin's revised nuclear doctrine states that any conventional attack on Russia, supported by a nuclear power, will be viewed as a joint attack. This comes as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, warning that faith in international law may diminish if Putin is not held accountable. Meanwhile, Martyn McLaughlin from The Scotsman highlights that experts view Russia's nuclear threats as a tool for political pressure rather than a genuine intent to use nuclear weapons. This perspective is echoed by Professor Luke March, who argues that the US's recent policy shift may be too late to significantly alter the war's trajectory. The contrasting views illustrate the complex interplay of military strategy and international diplomacy in the ongoing conflict.
How we got here
The conflict in Ukraine has intensified since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Recent shifts in US policy, allowing Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons against Russian targets, have prompted a strong response from Moscow, including the revision of its nuclear doctrine.
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