Russia Keeps the West Guessing as It Mulls Nuclear Strategy Shift

Russia says it is reconsidering its nuclear doctrine—the document it relies on when deciding whether to launch a nuclear strike—and earlier this week, it carried out a major missile test. But with Russian leaders invoking the specter of nuclear weapons each time the West changes the goal posts in Ukraine, is this more saber-rattling, or does it represent a genuine shift in posture? Does the West need to change its assessment of risk? And what significance does a nuclear doctrine really have? On Sept. 25, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin warned of the consequences of the United States and its NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use longer-range weapons—which they have supplied—for strikes deep inside Russia....