Peskov called Russia's new nuclear doctrine a signal to provocateurs of the conflict in Ukraine

The updated Russian doctrine of nuclear deterrence is a signal to those who are on the path of provoking the Ukrainian conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalist Pavel Zarubin on November 24.

"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin has to respond to that unprecedented escalation, which is provoked first of all by the outgoing administration in Washington. <...> They each time make more and more reckless steps and go ahead, provoking tensions around the Ukrainian conflict," Peskov said in a snippet of video published on the journalist's Telegram channel.

The Russian presidential spokesman noted that there are no accidents in the issue of updating the Russian nuclear doctrine, this document reacts only to regularities. Putin made changes to the doctrine to adapt it to the current confrontation, which is provoked by Western countries. Peskov added that the head of state constantly has to respond to short-sighted and unfriendly actions of the US leadership and other representatives of Western countries.

Last warning: Putin approves updated nuclear doctrine

Changes in nuclear deterrence policy are dictated by the current political situation

Putin approved Russia's updated nuclear doctrine on Nov. 19. For the first time, the document adds a definition of a potential adversary, against which the Russian Federation takes nuclear deterrence measures. In addition, the doctrine expands the list of reasons for Russia's use of nuclear weapons.

Deputy Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh noted on the same day that the United States is not in a state of conflict with Russia over changes in its nuclear weapons policy, and the updates to the Russian doctrine will not affect relations between the two states.

The US State Department said that the country was not going to respond to the changes in the document and emphasized that Washington and NATO "pose no threat" to Moscow.

Later, on November 21, Peskov noted that Russia takes a responsible position on nuclear weapons and makes every effort to prevent a conflict using such weapons. The Kremlin spokesman expressed hope that other countries share these views.