Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his government to prepare for possible nuclear tests after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that America might restart its atomic‑testing program. Putin stressed that Russia would resume nuclear testing only if the United States does so first. The directive, delivered during a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, tasks various agencies with gathering information, analyzing the situation and submitting proposals for test preparations.
Trump’s remarks were made in South Korea, where he appeared to indicate that the United States would conduct its first nuclear test in 30 years. However, U.S. Energy Secretary later clarified that the proposed testing system would not involve actual nuclear explosions. Trump’s statement came days after Putin announced successful tests of a nuclear‑powered cruise missile and an underwater drone. While the U.S. military regularly tests nuclear‑capable weapons, it has not carried out a nuclear detonation since 1992.
Both nations have observed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty since its adoption. Although the United States signed the treaty, it has not ratified it; North Korea remains the only nuclear‑armed country that has not adhered to the ban. The possibility of renewed testing by the United States and Russia carries significant implications for global security and non‑proliferation efforts.
These developments occur amid heightened tensions among major powers and have raised concerns about the consequences of restarting nuclear tests. International observers will be closely monitoring the actions of the United States and Russia, as their decisions could reshape the non‑proliferation landscape and affect future disarmament negotiations.
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