Putin Hints At Resuming Production Of Short/Med Range Nuclear Missiles

Reuters carrying comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin stating that Russia, "needs to resume production of short and medium-range missiles," at a meeting of the Russian Security Council.

• Reuters notes that the Security Council meeting was focused on the, "moratorium on deployment of intermediate-range missiles" with Putin stating: "Russia will then take a decision on where to deploy short and medium-range missiles."
• RIA reports that Putin said: "Russia must respond to the actions of the US, appearing to be, it is needed to start production of INF strike systems."
• RIA adds that Putin said: "Today the US not only produces INF missiles, but also brings them to Europe."
• The comments likely refer to ground-launched nuclear-capable missiles, which were previously controlled by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty ratified by the US and Soviet Union in 1988. That treaty was abandoned in 2019 raising concerns of greater nuclear proliferation in Europe.
• In recent weeks, there has been increasing rhetoric from the Kremlin that Moscow may update its nuclear doctrine with updated guidance on how and when weapons could be used.
• Reuters notes: "The doctrine states Russia may use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack or in the event of a conventional attack that poses an existential threat to Russia."
• Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview this week that the doctrine was drafted "in a different era and in different circumstances" and that he hoped the discussions now "are being taken seriously by our opponents."