In a significant development that has reignited global nuclear tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed top government officials to prepare proposals for the possible resumption of nuclear weapons testing. The move follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted at restarting American nuclear tests if re-elected.
According to reports, Putin addressed Russia’s Security Council earlier this week, directing the Foreign and Defence Ministries, along with the State Atomic Energy Corporation, to gather intelligence and evaluate the implications of Trump’s comments. The Russian leader said the country must “closely study U.S. intentions” and be ready with an appropriate response.
Putin clarified that Russia would not be the first to break the international moratorium on nuclear testing but would act “if others take that step first.” His remarks underline Moscow’s stance of strategic parity – a long-held principle in Russia’s nuclear doctrine aimed at maintaining balance with Washington.
Russia’s last underground nuclear test was conducted in October 1990, before the Soviet Union collapsed. The test site at Novaya Zemlya, located in the Arctic region, has been maintained over the years and can reportedly be reactivated within months if ordered.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Putin’s directive is not an immediate order to resume detonations but a preparatory measure to ensure readiness. He added that Moscow’s response will depend largely on the actions of the United States and the future of global arms-control agreements.
Analysts believe that a return to nuclear testing – by either the U.S. or Russia – would mark a major setback to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and could trigger a renewed arms race. The global non-proliferation community has expressed concern that the erosion of such treaties could undermine decades of progress toward nuclear restraint.
Tensions between Washington and Moscow have already escalated following Russia’s suspension of its participation in the New START Treaty in 2023. The latest developments now raise fears that the last remaining arms-control framework between the two nations may collapse entirely.
For now, Russia’s actions appear to be more of a strategic signal than an operational decision. However, with both superpowers hinting at renewed nuclear readiness, the world may be entering an era where deterrence once again takes precedence over diplomacy.
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