Russia May Resume Nuclear Tests After Trump’s Remarks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed senior officials to gather information and prepare recommendations on possibly resuming nuclear weapons testing. The move follows recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington might end its moratorium on nuclear explosive tests. Putin said any Russian action would depend on U.S. decisions, but the review signals renewed tension between the two nuclear powers.
What Russia Is Considering
Russia has not carried out an explosive nuclear test since 1990, the year before the Soviet Union collapsed. Officials have confirmed that the Novaya Zemlya test site in the Arctic remains operational and could be made ready if required. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that no direct order to restart testing has been issued yet. The Russian Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry are coordinating assessments of the geopolitical and security implications of such a move.
Rising Global Concern
If Russia resumes nuclear tests, it would mark a major departure from global non-proliferation efforts and could trigger similar actions by other nuclear states. The United States, China, and France have all maintained moratoriums on testing for decades. Security analysts warn that renewed tests could destabilize arms control treaties and escalate the current nuclear arms race.
What Happens Next
Putin stated that Russia’s response will be contingent on Washington’s final stance. The Kremlin’s review process, however, has already intensified global concern over the possible erosion of long-standing arms control norms. Both Moscow and Washington have accused each other of undermining the global nuclear balance through recent policy changes, raising fears of a return to Cold War-style brinkmanship.
