Vladimir Putin threatens WW3 as he reveals plan that could lower threshold for using nukes

World War 3 fears have exploded with Vladimir Putin set to change Russia's doctrine for nuclear weapons that could see him lower the threshold for their use.

Russia's nuclear weapons policy, devised in 2020, says that Moscow can use their weapons if they are attacked by an enemy or the existence of the state of Russia comes under threat.

However, some in Russia are urging Putin to lower the threshold for nuclear weapons use.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says the Kremlin is already working on changing the policy.

He said: 'The work is at an advanced stage, and there is a clear direction to make adjustments, which are also conditioned by the study and analysis of the experience of conflict development in recent years.

"This includes everything related to the escalation course of our Western opponents in connection with the 'special military operation'."

He added: "The time for completing this work is a rather difficult question, given that we are talking about the most important aspects of ensuring our national security."

Putin has threatened the prospect of nuclear war on several occasions since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

The Russian President's latest saber-rattling comes after Ukrainian forces launched a shock incursion into the Kursk region of Russia last month, taking control of a number of towns and villages.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv's attack exposed Putin's 'red lines'.

Putin meanwhile, has warned that defeat for Russia would mean "the end of Russia's statehood" – possibly a subtle justification for the use of nuclear weapons.

He added: "It means the end of the 1,000-year history of the Russian state. I think this is clear to everyone... Isn't it better to go all the way, until the end?"

Russia is reportedly armed with 5,800 nuclear warheads, 1500 of which are operational and ready for deployment.