Russian Foreign Minister Dmitry Lavrov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin ordered officials to begin preparations for nuclear weapon tests as the country readies for the trials.
Lavrov on Nuclear Test Preparations
Lavrov said Putin directed officials to start preparing for nuclear tests. The instruction from the National Security Council meeting on November 5 has been adopted for implementation, with work proceeding. The public will be notified of the results, Lavrov told TASS.
Lavrov also referenced U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of nuclear tests. He said Moscow had received no clarification from Washington on the issue and that it was unclear whether Trump referred to testing delivery platforms, a “test of uncertainty,” or something else.
Putin Announces Nuclear Weapon Tests
During a National Security Council session, Putin warned the United States and other nations that if they carried out nuclear tests, Russia would have to take retaliatory measures. He instructed the Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministries to gather all possible information on American nuclear test plans, analyze it, and present joint proposals concerning potential starts of nuclear test preparations.
NATO Secretary General on Russia’s Nuclear Rhetoric
Mark Rutte urged that the public be informed but not scared by Russia’s use of nuclear rhetoric. He said NATO must demonstrate its own deterrent capabilities. The Secretary General noted that when Russia employs dangerous nuclear rhetoric, it is essential to show there is no reason to panic, and that NATO possesses sufficient nuclear resources to maintain peace and support partners.
He added that President Putin must understand that an atomic war cannot be won, and therefore it should not be pursued. A German newspaper mentioned Russia has the largest nuclear arsenal, though the United States has fewer weapons.
