Sheikh Sameer
The specter of nuclear war looms larger than ever as Russian President Vladimir Putin signals a drastic shift in nuclear policy. On the 1,000th day of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons. This doctrine states that any conventional attack on Russia by nations supported by nuclear powers would now be considered a direct joint assault, opening the door for potential nuclear retaliation.
This unprecedented move follows Ukraine’s launch of six US-made long-range missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region on Tuesday, an act that Moscow has labeled a significant provocation. The Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) used in the strikes have a range exceeding 300km and deliver powerful impacts, marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at the strategic intent behind these attacks, saying, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
NATO Nations Prepare for the Worst
Putin’s announcement has sent shockwaves through NATO countries, prompting urgent measures to prepare for potential conflict. Several nations have issued emergency advisories to their citizens:
Sweden has distributed nuclear war survival pamphlets to every household, a measure taken only five times since World War II.
Norway urged its citizens to prepare for emergencies, advising stockpiling supplies to survive at least one week in the event of war or disaster.
Denmark has sent emails instructing people to stock up on dry rations, water, and medicines sufficient for three days, explicitly including preparation for nuclear attacks.
Finland, which joined NATO last year, updated its online crisis preparedness brochure to address growing fears of escalation.
These steps underscore a rising sense of urgency among NATO nations as the war takes an increasingly volatile turn.
Biden’s Role and Rising Criticism
The escalation comes shortly after US President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to deploy advanced long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. This decision has drawn sharp criticism, with some accusing Biden of pushing the world closer to global conflict.
Donald Trump Jr. voiced his concerns, accusing Biden of prioritizing military-industrial interests over peace. “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War III going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.
A Perilous New Doctrine
Putin’s revised nuclear doctrine introduces a dangerous shift in global security dynamics. It explicitly allows for nuclear strikes against non-nuclear states if they are backed by nuclear powers. This is a direct response to the US-led NATO support for Ukraine, which surrendered its nuclear arsenal in 1994 under a global agreement.
Russia, with one of the world’s largest nuclear stockpiles, now views the US support of Ukraine as a direct threat. By framing NATO’s actions as a justification for nuclear retaliation, Putin has brought the world closer to an unprecedented crisis.
Global Call for De-Escalation
As the Russia-Ukraine war escalates with new provocations and retaliatory measures, the international community faces a critical moment. NATO’s heightened state of preparedness, coupled with Putin’s chilling nuclear policy shift, signals the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation before it spirals out of control.
The specter of nuclear conflict, once a distant memory of the Cold War, is now a palpable reality for millions across the globe.
The Kashmir Dialogues
Bilal Ahmad Ganie
