**Putin Intensifies Nuclear Threats Amid Western Support for Ukraine**

In a significant escalation of rhetoric, President Vladimir V. Putin has warned that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if it comes under attack from a nation supported by a nuclear power. Although he did not name specific countries, this statement appears to reference Western backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Putin's comments come at a pivotal time as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the United States. During his trip, Zelensky is addressing the United Nations General Assembly and meeting with President Biden. Zelensky has been advocating for permission to use Western weaponry to launch deeper strikes into Russian territory.

At a meeting with top officials at the Kremlin, Putin revealed proposed changes to Russia's military doctrine concerning nuclear weapons. "It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any nonnuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation," said Putin. He emphasized that the policy needed revision due to rapidly changing military-political conditions.

"The conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed," Putin added, explaining that Moscow would consider such a move if it detected the beginning of a massive launch of missiles, aircraft, or drones against Russia.

Russia views Ukraine’s offensive into its Kursk region as an operation supported by Western powers. Putin has repeatedly asserted that Ukraine acts as a proxy for Western allies whose ultimate goal is to weaken and defeat Russia.