Putin's Nuclear Decree and Its Implications

Putin's recent announcement regarding nuclear weapons marks a significant shift in Russia's military policy, specifically lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon usage. This new decree, which is close to being codified into law, allows for a broader interpretation of when Russia can employ nuclear weapons, expanding circumstances beyond direct existential threats. The inclusion of allies of nuclear powers as justifiable grounds for a nuclear response essentially increases the range of potential conflicts, involving countries like Ukraine, the Baltic states, and Poland. This change aims to provide a deterrent against long-range missile strikes from the West, indicating a direct linkage between Russian policy and the ongoing military dynamics in the region.