Moscow calls urgent security council meeting to discuss nuclear deterrence
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark nuclear warning to Western nations following a series of events escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The warning, made during an urgent meeting of Moscow’s top security council, was a direct response to the increasing likelihood of Ukraine using Western-supplied cruise missiles to strike Russian territory.
The UK recently authorized the use of its Storm Shadow cruise missile, allowing Ukraine to target deeper within Russian borders. This decision, endorsed by Western powers, including the United States, has heightened concerns within Russia.
Escalating tensions and Western involvement
Reports indicate that the UK and US are backing Ukraine’s potential use of advanced weaponry on Russian soil. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden discussed Ukraine’s military capabilities in a recent meeting in Washington. This has fueled Moscow’s alarm, particularly with Russian intelligence warning of the need to reevaluate its nuclear doctrine in light of Western escalations.
President Putin previously commented, “The West would be directly fighting with Russia if it gave such permission to Ukraine,” emphasizing that Moscow would be forced to make “appropriate decisions” in response to such actions.
Russia’s nuclear doctrine and US-Russia treaty
Russia, the world’s largest nuclear power, controls 88% of the global nuclear arsenal alongside the United States. Under its current nuclear doctrine, which was updated by Putin four years ago, Russia may deploy nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or if a conventional assault threatens the state’s existence.
This doctrine is particularly relevant now, as the US-Russia New START Treaty, an arms control agreement between the two nations, remains in effect until February 2026. The treaty places limits on strategic nuclear weapons, and both countries have honored these commitments thus far. However, the Kremlin has hinted at a need to consider European nuclear capabilities, including those of Britain and France, in future negotiations about any successor agreement.
Ukraine’s Storm Shadow missile: A new threat to Russia
Ukraine has already integrated the UK-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missile into its military arsenal. While previously restricted to Ukrainian territory, the recent clearance from the UK suggests this missile could soon be used to strike Russian targets. The Storm Shadow, developed by the UK and France, is a long-range, air-launched missile with a range of about 500 km, and is capable of causing significant damage.
The missile has been outfitted on Ukrainian aircraft, including Russian-built Su-24 bombers, remnants from Ukraine’s Soviet-era military equipment. Western officials are reportedly easing restrictions on the use of such advanced weapons, further intensifying the conflict.
Russia’s nuclear stockpile: The world’s largest
The international community is deeply concerned that any Ukrainian attack on Russian soil using cruise missiles could provoke a severe response from Moscow, possibly involving nuclear weapons. According to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Russia maintains the world’s largest nuclear stockpile, with approximately 6,372 warheads.
Of these, 1,572 are deployed on land-based ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and heavy bombers. Additionally, Russia holds 870 strategic warheads and 1,870 non-strategic warheads in reserve, with over 2,000 awaiting dismantlement.
Global concerns and calls for diplomacy
As tensions rise, global powers are calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. The possibility of Russia reconsidering its nuclear strategy underscores the gravity of the situation, as both sides navigate the potential consequences of further military action.
For now, the world waits with bated breath, hoping that diplomatic channels remain open and that cooler heads prevail in the face of nuclear threats.