America Not Surprised By Russia's Nuclear Doctrine Revision

JAKARTA - The United States was not surprised by Russia's announcement of changes to its nuclear doctrine. The US does not plan to adjust its nuclear posture in response.

"As we said earlier this month, we are not surprised by Russia's announcement that it will renew its nuclear doctrine. Russia has signaled its intention to renew its doctrine for several weeks," he said.

A spokesman for the White House National Security Council was reported by Reuters, Tuesday, November 19.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for nuclear attacks in response to broader conventional attacks. Moscow says Ukraine has attacked deep within Russian territory with US-made ATACMS missiles.

"Given the absence of changes to Russia's nuclear posture, we have not seen any reason to adjust our nuclear posture or doctrine in response to today's Russian statement," Putin said.

The statement also cited Russia's use of North Korean troops in Ukraine, which it calls a significant increase.

Putin signed a chamber that approved the Basics of State Policy in the Nuclear Counterterrorism Sector, an updated nuclear doctrine.

The document has been published, quoted from the state news agency S, Tuesday 19 November.

The basic principle of this doctrine is that the use of nuclear weapons is the last step to protect the country's sovereignty. The emergence of new military threats and risks prompted Russia to clarify the conditions for using nuclear weapons.

In particular, the amended doctrine expands the reach of countries and military alliances subject to nuclear deterrence, as well as a list of military threats designed to counter the deterrence.

In addition, the document states Russia will now see any attacks by non-nuclear countries supported by nuclear powers as a combined attack.