Moscow: The head of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) urged the bolstering of the country's nuclear shield amidst 'colossal threats.' Alexey Likhachev emphasized the urgency of enhancing Russia's nuclear capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty.

According to Anadolu Agency, Likhachev stated that Russia's nuclear shield is vital for maintaining the country's sovereignty. He highlighted the necessity of improving this shield in the coming years, particularly given the current geopolitical climate. Russia has been focusing on nuclear deterrence, especially since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022.

In November, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree updating Moscow's nuclear doctrine. The revised doctrine states that aggression against Russia and its allies by a non-nuclear nation, supported by a nuclear state, will be perceived as a joint attack. The updated doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to critical threats to Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as that of Belarus, which has been part of a union state with Russia since 1999.

Putin announced the need for changes to the nuclear doctrine during a September 25, 2024 address, underscoring the urgency of revising the document.