Erdogan urges NATO to address Russia’s nuclear doctrine at G20 Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on NATO to seriously consider Russia's recent changes to its nuclear doctrine, warning of the potential dangers posed by the use of nuclear weapons in the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

Speaking at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Erdogan said, "We cannot proclaim that there is a positive aspect to a war in which nuclear weapons are utilized ... NATO officials should deliberate on this step taken by Russia and review it," Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

He added that the missiles recently used by Ukraine "show where this situation has reached and will reach," noting that such developments were "not positive."

Erdogan suggested that Russia's revised nuclear doctrine was a "precautionary measure" against conventional weapons, particularly those used by NATO powers.

"Russia has the power and the measures to protect itself. Similarly, as a NATO country, we have to protect ourselves and take steps to protect ourselves," he emphasized.

The new Russian doctrine, signed into law on November 19, marks a significant shift, stipulating that Russia could use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional missile attack supported by a nuclear power. This move came shortly after President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use U.S. long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, a development that has escalated tensions in the conflict, which is now in its 1,000th day.

Erdogan, who has been vocal about Türkiye's neutral stance in the conflict, also reiterated the country's willingness to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. Türkiye shares close relations with both countries and has previously played a role in facilitating dialogue.

"Türkiye, since the first day of the war, remains prepared to assume any facilitating role between the parties. We have the will and the capability to do so. I hope we can quickly achieve lasting cease-fire between Ukraine and Russia, securing peace the world is waiting for," Erdogan said, adding that the "historical opportunity" presented by the Istanbul agreement had been squandered, leading to nearly half a million deaths and a global energy and food crisis.

In addition to discussing the Ukraine war, Erdogan addressed Türkiye’s evaluation of a partnership proposal from the BRICS group, stating that the country would provide a response "when it comes to a certain point."

At the G20 summit, President Erdogan met with several world leaders, including Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Erdogan also had brief talks with US President Joe Biden, China's President Xi Jinping, Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, Vietnam’s Pham Minh Chinh, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

On November 19, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin renewed Russia's nuclear doctrine, significantly lowering the threshold for nuclear weapons use. The revised doctrine says an attack from a non-nuclear state, if backed by a nuclear power, will be treated as a joint assault on Russia.

The doctrine responds to Western support for Ukraine, particularly US assistance with long-range missiles that allow Ukraine to strike deep within Russian territory. Putin's changes include a clearer stance on using nuclear weapons if Russia or Belarus—its ally under the Union State—faces conventional missile attacks from a nuclear power. This adjustment aims to enhance deterrence and signal Russia's readiness to escalate if necessary​

By Khagan Isayev