### Putin Approves Revised Nuclear Doctrine as a Warning to the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on significant modifications to Moscow's nuclear policy. The updated doctrine now permits a nuclear response from Russia if faced with aggression either from non-nuclear states that have support from nuclear powers or from a substantial airborne attack involving non-nuclear weapons, such as drones.

Putin originally suggested the idea of updating Russia's nuclear policy during a Security Council gathering on September 25. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the revised doctrine serves as a stark warning to Western countries about the grave repercussions of any attack on Russia, regardless of whether nuclear weapons are involved.

Questions arose about the timing of this update, especially in light of U.S. President Joe Biden allowing Ukraine to deploy ATACMS missiles for deep strikes into Russian territory. Peskov dismissed these speculations, stating the decree was "published at the right time" and clarified that Putin had planned these adjustments "well in advance."

The Kremlin's move is aimed at informing the international community, particularly Western nations, about Russia's readiness to defend itself by any necessary means, thus highlighting the potential consequences of participating in any attacks against the country.