Russia has signaled it may resume nuclear weapons testing after President Vladimir Putin instructed top ministries and security agencies to prepare proposals in response to the United States’ recent announcement on restarting nuclear tests. The move has raised global concerns over renewed nuclear tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin said Moscow would be forced to take “reciprocal measures” if the U.S. follows through on plans to resume nuclear tests for the first time since 1992. He directed the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, intelligence agencies, and civilian departments to gather information and outline possible steps toward preparing Russian nuclear test sites.
The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to “immediately” resume nuclear weapons testing, saying Washington must match other nuclear powers. His decision followed criticism of Russia’s work on its Burevestnik missile, a nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov warned that the U.S. move increases the military threat to Russia. He said that maintaining nuclear readiness is necessary to ensure the country can respond effectively. Military officials noted that facilities in Novaya Zemlya, the Arctic testing site, could be made operational quickly if needed.
General Valery Gerasimov also stated that delaying action could weaken Russia’s strategic position. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later clarified that no specific timeline has been set, emphasizing that Russia’s steps would depend on the actions of the United States.
Both Russia and the U.S. have observed a decades-long halt in nuclear testing under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, although neither country has fully ratified it. The latest developments suggest pressure on the global arms control framework, with both sides signaling they are ready to move away from previous limits if the other does so first.
International analysts warn that any return to nuclear testing could trigger a wider arms race and further destabilize global security at a time when relations between the world’s two largest nuclear powers are already strained.
