Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree broadening the circumstances under which Russia could deploy nuclear weapons, specifically targeting non-nuclear states that are supported by nuclear powers. This decision, a direct response to Western involvement in the ongoing conflict, was made on the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The move follows a significant policy shift by the Biden administration, which authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-made ATACMS missiles for the first time, enabling strikes deeper into Russian territory. The approval of these long-range missiles has heightened tensions between Moscow and the West, particularly as President Biden nears the end of his term. His successor, Donald Trump, has expressed doubts about continuing U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.

Kremlin officials have stressed that Western support for Ukraine will not change the outcome of the war. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated that Russia’s military operation against Ukraine would proceed unabated, regardless of foreign aid. He further warned that any actions by a non-nuclear state like Ukraine, in collaboration with nuclear powers, would be viewed as a joint attack, reinforcing Russia’s position.

While NATO’s chief has insisted that Putin must not be allowed to “get his way” in Ukraine, there have been reassurances regarding the immediate risk of nuclear escalation. Just a month ago, NATO’s chief downplayed the likelihood of an imminent nuclear crisis, despite Russia’s increasingly reckless behavior.

The new nuclear policy also extends to Belarus, Russia’s ally, further strengthening their strategic alliance. This decree underscores Putin’s determination to pressure the West into retreating, even as Russia’s military operations make limited territorial progress.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have already used ATACMS missiles to target Russian sites within its borders, marking a pivotal shift in the conflict. Reports indicate that the missiles were aimed at Russian targets near the border.

Now in its third year, the war has led to immense losses, with over a million casualties on both sides. Ukraine, once a prosperous nation, has seen its cities and towns devastated, while both countries face demographic declines due to the ongoing conflict. As the war drags on, its humanitarian and demographic repercussions are expected to be felt for generations to come.