Reaction to Russia
USA considers changing its nuclear weapons strategy
Russia changed its nuclear doctrine a few days ago. A Russian intercontinental ballistic missile has now been deployed in Ukraine for the first time. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army is firing ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles at targets in Russia. Against the backdrop of this massive escalation - including threats from the Kremlin against Ukraine's Western allies - the USA is now also considering adjusting its nuclear weapons strategy.
The responsible Deputy Secretary of Defense Richard Johnson referred, among other things, to the improved nuclear capabilities of China and Russia. In order to ensure effective nuclear deterrence, it may be necessary to adapt the nuclear strategy, which was last updated in 2022, he said during an appearance in Washington.
In addition to Russia and China, Washington is also increasingly focusing on other countries. Several countries are expanding and modernizing their nuclear arsenals, said Johnson. At the same time, nuclear weapons are playing a greater role in the security strategy of these states.
Nuclear program "possibly inadequate"
The modernization programme for the US nuclear arsenal may be inadequate, the Deputy Minister warned. In general, however, "the logic of nuclear deterrence remains coherent".
The United Nations spoke of a "worrying development". "All this is going in the wrong direction. What we want to see is all parties taking urgent steps to de-escalate the situation," said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York.
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