Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, intensifying global concerns. The move follows a recent U.S. decision permitting Ukraine to conduct long-range missile strikes on Russian territory using American-made weapons.

Ukraine has already carried out its first such strike, with Russia confirming that U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles targeted its Bryansk region.

The updated Russian nuclear doctrine now stipulates that any conventional attack on Russia by a nation supported by a nuclear power will be regarded as a joint assault. This means attacks involving conventional missiles, drones, or aircraft could potentially trigger a nuclear response from Moscow.

The Kremlin has urged other nations to carefully study the revised policy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the decree as “a very important text” that warrants “deep analysis.”

In recent statements, Russia warned of “an appropriate and tangible” response to President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine access to ATACMS missiles. Russia’s foreign ministry asserted that such actions amount to “direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia.”

This policy shift comes just two months before Donald Trump is set to assume office as the next U.S. President. Trump has vowed to bring a swift resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden agrees to give Ukraine anti-personnel mines

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved the delivery of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, according to a U.S. official speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity. The official indicated that the mines would be sent soon and were expected to be deployed within Ukrainian territory.

The decision is believed to aim at slowing the advance of Russian forces, who have made significant gains in Ukraine’s eastern regions in recent months.

This move is the latest in a series of efforts by the outgoing Biden administration to reinforce Ukraine’s defense capabilities ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on January 20.

The announcement follows Washington’s recent decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missiles to target Russian territory for the first time.