Russian defense official Andrey Kartapołov denounces U.S. plans to restart nuclear tests, warning it signals a return to open confrontation under the Cold War mindset.
U.S. Announces Restart of Nuclear Tests
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the Pentagon would immediately resume nuclear weapon testing, the first such move in over three decades. The post came just before a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Trump’s Rationale
Trump justified the decision as a necessary response to Russia and China intensifying their nuclear programs. He said Russia is “second” and China “far behind third,” but that China could catch up within five years.
Historical Context of Nuclear Testing
The United States suspended nuclear tests in 1992, and China has not tested a nuclear weapon since 1996. Russia’s last confirmed test took place in 1990. The halt of testing was governed by agreements banning underground, atmospheric, and other forms of detonation.
Russian Response
Andrey Kartapołov warned that resuming tests could bring the world back to a predictable, open confrontation comparable to the Cold War era. He noted that treaties were designed to lower tensions and that the current actions threaten to reverse that progress.
Russia recently announced the deployment of a new submarine-based long‑range nuclear system capable of carrying nuclear warheads.