In 2020, Russia published a doctrine outlining its possible use of nuclear weapons. It detailed four justifications – a ballistic missile attack against Russia or an ally, use of a nuclear weapon by an enemy, an attack on a Russian nuclear weapons site or any attack threatening the existence of Russia.

Last month, Putin ordered that his nuclear forces be put on high alert.

As the US president, Mr Biden has the only authority to launch America’s nuclear weapons.

His new policy will say that the “fundamental role” of the country’s nuclear weapons is to deter nuclear attacks, US officials told the Wall Street Journal. However, that will still allow them to be used in “extreme circumstances” as a deterrent against chemical, biological, massive conventional and even potentially cyber attacks, the officials said.

Allies in Europe had been concerned that Mr Biden’s original plan would weaken deterrence against a massive conventional or chemical and biological attack by Russia on Nato.

Japan feared that the US explicitly limiting itself to retaliation against a nuclear strike could one day leave it open to an overwhelming conventional attack by China.

Supporters of Mr Biden’s original, more limited “sole purpose” campaign pledge will be disappointed. “With ‘sole purpose’ you’re still safe, you’re still saying ‘if you want to nuke us you’re going to die’. That’s the essence of deterrence,” said one member of the nuclear policy community who backed it.

“Even Putin would know if he does one or two nukes in Ukraine he can’t get away with it.”

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has delayed the completion of Mr Biden’s overall defence strategy, of which the nuclear review is part. The strategy was determined to be too focused on China and is being amended to acknowledge the increased Russian threat.