Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow could consider resuming nuclear weapons testing if the United States decides to restart its own, raising renewed concerns over growing nuclear tensions between both countries.
Speaking during a security council meeting on Wednesday, accordiing to AFP, Putin instructed Russia’s defence ministry and security agencies to begin gathering information and prepare proposals on possible steps needed to restart nuclear tests.
Russia last conducted a nuclear test in 1990, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The comments came after US President Donald Trump wrote on social media last week that he had directed the Pentagon to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” with Russia and China. It remains unclear whether he was referring to explosive nuclear warhead tests or more limited non-nuclear trial activities.
During the meeting, Russia’s Defence Minister, Andrei Belousov, suggested the country should begin preparations for potential testing in the Arctic region of Novaya Zemlya.
Putin repeated that if the US conducts a nuclear test, Russia will match it. The Kremlin leader has repeatedly accused Washington of creating global instability through its military posture and foreign policy.
In recent months, Russia has carried out several tests of nuclear-capable missiles, though without the use of live warheads.
Trump, who returned to office in January, has publicly pushed for an end to the war in Ukraine. However, diplomatic efforts have so far shown no significant progress, and he has recently expressed frustration over Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
No country apart from North Korea has carried out an explosive nuclear weapon test in the 21st century.