According to a report by the Financial Times (FT) on February 28, leaked Russian military documents from 2008 to 2014 outline the criteria for using tactical nuclear weapons. These weapons are intended for battlefield use in Europe and Asia and have a more limited range compared to strategic nuclear weapons capable of reaching the U.S.

The documents suggest criteria for nuclear strikes, including scenarios such as an enemy incursion on Russian territory, destruction of strategic ballistic missile submarines, large-scale damage to warships, airfields, and nuclear-powered submarines, or attacks on coastal command centers. The FT also highlighted a sense of distrust towards China, with implications that Russia fears a potential military threat from its eastern neighbor.

William Alberque, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, mentioned that Russia could have a higher threshold for using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine to avoid escalation and direct intervention by the U.S. or U.K.

Furthermore, Russia has conducted military exercises near China, reportedly holding nuclear-capable missile exercises in regions bordering China in June and November 2023, indicating ongoing military preparedness in the region.