Putin declares Russia could launch nuclear strike in response to conventional attack

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree lowering the threshold for Russia's use of nuclear weapons. This comes after the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use American-made long-range missiles to strike Russia. Ukraine has already launched its first attack, with Russia confirming that U.S. ATACMS missiles hit its Bryansk region.

Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine now states that any conventional attack on the country by a nation backed by a nuclear power will be treated as a joint attack. It also says that attacks using missiles, drones, or aircraft could trigger a nuclear response.

The Kremlin has urged other countries to study these changes. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the decree "very important" and said it should be analyzed deeply.

In response to the U.S. decision, Russia warned it would take “appropriate and tangible” action. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the use of ATACMS missiles would mean direct U.S. involvement in hostilities against Russia.

The policy change comes just two months before Donald Trump is set to take office as U.S. President. Trump has promised to help end the war in Ukraine quickly.

Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten, with reporting from Steve Rosenberg, Nick Eardley, Vicki Young, and Lyse Doucet.