The updated version of the doctrine expands the category of states and military alliances against which nuclear deterrence is implemented. In addition, the basis on which Moscow will consider an attack has changed. This, in turn, will give the Kremlin a basis to launch a nuclear response.
Putin's initiative to update the nuclear doctrine was supported by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The head of the department, Andrey Belousov, justified the measures taken by the changed military-political situation. "Program documents must be adapted to the new realities," said Belousov.