Russian President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, aiming to deter Western support for Ukrainian attacks on Russia.

The revisions imply that any conventional attack on Russia backed by a nuclear power would be considered a joint strike, potentially lowering the threshold for Russia’s use of nuclear weapons.

The U.S. and EU condemned Putin’s statements as “irresponsible.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU leaders criticized the move, warning it undermines global disarmament efforts, the Associated Press has reported.

Meanwhile, Putin seeks to discourage stronger Western backing for Ukraine, as the conflict enters its third year.

Written by B.C. Begley