Moscow (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia will take “reciprocal measures” if the United States resumes nuclear testing; a warning that brings back the memory of the arms race of Cold-War era.
“If the US conducts such tests, then Russia must also take appropriate retaliatory steps,” he told members of his security council.
The statement followed Washington’s recent signal that it may resume testing to modernize its arsenal, ending a three-decade halt. Russia last conducted a nuclear test in 1991, and both countries remain bound by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), though neither has ratified it.
Last month, President Trump called off a planned summit with Putin in Hungary and imposed sanctions on two major Russian oil firms.
He later directed the Department of Defense to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing on an equal basis with other nuclear powers, claiming that Russia is one of a handful of countries conducting such tests.
Read More: Trump Orders Resumption of US Nuclear Tests
Trump specifically mentioned that Russia is the closest competitor, with China not far behind but expected to catch up within five years.
The decision primarily lies with the Kremlin and the Russian defense establishment, yet its consequences would extend globally, impacting US-Russia relations, international non-proliferation efforts, and populations near potential test sites.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov noted that US actions “point to an active build-up of Washington’s strategic offensive weapons” while suggesting preparations for testing on Novaya Zemlya, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said this will take time as Russia seeks to “understand the intentions of the United States.”
Analysts note that the US may justify testing for “security modernization,” while others warn this could erode fragile arms-control frameworks.
Russia’s Arctic testing grounds at Novaya Zemlya could reactivate, recalling Cold War test cycles. Amid weakening arms-control agreements, renewed testing would endanger global safety and escalate tensions.
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