Russia, NATO and Ukraine have just advanced the Doomsday Clock

Russian President Vladimir Putin has just announced significant modifications to Russian nuclear policy shortly after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-made long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian territory.

The new doctrine approves a nuclear response by Russia (even if its integrity is not seriously endangered) in the event of a conventional weapons attack if it comes from a non-nuclear power that is backed by a nuclear power.

The doctrine considers any massive aerospace attack by aircraft, cruise missiles and drones crossing Russia’s borders or those of its ally Belarus to be a conventional attack.

The new doctrine says: “Aggression by any state of a military coalition (bloc, union) against the Russian Federation and (or) its allies is considered aggression by the coalition (bloc, union) as a whole.”

Coincidentally, the Russian defense ministry has just confirmed the attack by Ukraine with 6 ATACMS ballistic missiles on a Russian military facility in the western Bryansk region.

According to Russian local media, of the 6 missiles launched, 5 were intercepted and 1 hit a military installation without causing any damage or injuries.

This new element in the war between Russia and Ukraine changes the rules of the game and would bring us closer to a nuclear war in case Ukraine insists on attacking Russia with these missiles.

Following the Russian government’s decision, the other nuclear powers, including Israel, may opt for changes in their nuclear policies similar or identical to those of the Kremlin.

It is likely that before we see a true nuclear escalation, we may see an escalation in nuclear rhetoric from these powers in order to deter their enemies. Israel may not be the exception.

Although Israel has yet to openly confirm or deny possessing nuclear weapons, Russia’s announcement could change everything not only in Europe, but in the Middle East as well.

Israel could take a more open and transparent stance on the matter in order to send a clear message to Iran or any other nation that intends to attack it as Iran has done twice using ballistic missiles.

The bar for the use of nuclear weapons has been lowered considerably by Russia today, bringing us even closer to midnight.

In the meantime, Ukraine should refrain from further use of ATACMS missiles on Russian territory or else the consequences could be catastrophic not only for Ukraine, but for the rest of the world.