US Urges Russia to ‘End Bellicose and Irresponsible Rhetoric’ – As Events Unfolded

 **US Urges Russia to Cease 'Bellicose and Irresponsible Rhetoric,' Says State Department**  

The United States sees no need to alter its nuclear posture despite Russia's recent decision to lower its threshold for a nuclear strike, a State Department spokesperson stated on Tuesday.  

Speaking at a press briefing, Matthew Miller criticized Moscow's revised nuclear doctrine, which allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack by a nation supported by a nuclear power.  

"Russia’s irresponsible and bellicose rhetoric will not improve its security," Miller said. "Since the onset of its war of aggression against Ukraine, it has sought to coerce and intimidate both Ukraine and the international community through reckless nuclear rhetoric and behavior."  

Miller added that the US remains "unsurprised" by the Kremlin's latest comments but reiterated that Washington sees no grounds to adjust its nuclear stance. "We will continue to call on Russia to cease its provocative and irresponsible rhetoric," he emphasized.  

The comments come after Russia updated its nuclear doctrine to classify any conventional attack on its territory, if supported by a nuclear-armed nation, as grounds for a nuclear response. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the US, the UK, and other allies, as well as renewed calls for Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine.