JRL NEWSWATCH: “Russia rewrites nuclear rule book to fire first” – The Times (UK)/ Marc Bennetts

November 23, 2018 JRL Russia List JRL NewsBlog, Military, Nuclear, Missile Defense, United States, U.S.-Russian Relations

“… Senators in [Russia’s] Federation Council … have recommended … allow[ing] … [P]resident [Putin] to order nuclear strikes in response to enemy use of conventional weapons, a significant departure from the military doctrine that prohibits first use unless Russia is threatened by [WMD] or if its ‘very existence is in jeopardy.’ The council proposes that Russia be allowed to retaliate with nuclear weapons if the country is attacked by ‘hypersonic and non-nuclear strategic weapons.’ The recommendations, which are non-binding, were drawn up after discussions with defence ministry officials. …”