Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered officials to draft proposals for possible nuclear weapons tests. Russia has not conducted such tests since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.
Putin’s directive followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement last week that Washington would resume nuclear testing. The move signals a sharp escalation between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.
Putin instructed the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, and security agencies to collect intelligence and present recommendations to the Security Council. He said the proposals should explore the “possible start of work on nuclear test preparations.”
Tensions Rise Between Washington and Moscow
Relations between Russia and the United States have worsened in recent weeks. Trump canceled a planned summit with Putin and imposed new sanctions on Moscow. The actions followed frustration over stalled efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
During a Security Council meeting, parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin raised the issue of America’s nuclear testing plans. His question prompted coordinated responses from senior Russian officials.
Officials Urge Swift Russian Response
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov urged immediate readiness for full-scale nuclear tests. He said the Novaya Zemlya site in the Arctic could host tests quickly.
General Valery Gerasimov warned that Russia might lose its response window if preparations are delayed, as test setups can take months or years.
Kremlin Sets No Deadline for Proposals
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no deadline has been set for the proposals. He stressed that Moscow will decide after fully understanding U.S. intentions.
Trump has yet to clarify whether his testing order involves nuclear explosions or missile flight tests.
Analysts warn that renewed testing by major powers could destabilize global security and revive Cold War–era nuclear risks.
