Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved an update to its nuclear doctrine, warning of a potential nuclear response to conventional missile attacks backed by a nuclear power. This follows the approval of US allowing Ukraine to use its long-range missiles into Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine on Tuesday, warning that Russia could consider using nuclear weapons if subjected to a conventional missile attack backed by a nuclear power. This move is in response to US President Joe Biden's approval of Ukraine to use its long-range missiles into Russia.

The revised doctrine outlines scenarios that could prompt a nuclear response, including attacks with conventional missiles, drones, or aircraft. It also states that any aggression against Russia by a coalition member would be viewed as an attack by the entire coalition.

The doctrine’s changes emphasise that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power could be seen as a joint assault.

The ongoing Ukraine war has created the most severe tension between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when the two Cold War superpowers came closest to nuclear war.

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