Reaction to Putin’s approval of a new Russian nuclear doctrine

(Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a new nuclear doctrine that lowers the threshold for a nuclear attack in response to a wider range of conventional attacks.

Here are some international reactions to Tuesday’s move:

THE WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

“We were not surprised by Russia’s announcement that it would update its nuclear doctrine; Russia had been signaling its intention to update its doctrine for several weeks.”

THE EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF JOSEP BORRELL

“This is not the first time that they have threatened nuclear escalation, which is completely irresponsible. Russia has subscribed to the principle that a nuclear war cannot be won and therefore must never be fought.”

TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ERDOGAN

“Russia has and must have the power and measures to protect itself. Likewise, as a NATO country, we must protect ourselves and take steps to protect ourselves…This move should be reviewed by NATO officials.”

SPOKESMAN FOR THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

“It would be fair to say that this is the latest example of irresponsibility that we have seen from the corrupt Russian government and we remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine.”

THE FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER JEAN-NOEL BARROT

President Vladimir Putin’s decision to lower the threshold for a nuclear attack is “rhetoric”. “We’re not scared.”

(Editing by Ros Russell and Angus MacSwan)