Russian foreign‑minister spokeswoman Maria Zacharowa said Trump’s directive to restart nuclear tests could trigger retaliatory moves by Russia and other states, and Russia is preparing a response.
Trump Orders Immediate Resumption of Nuclear Tests
According to Reuters, Donald Trump ordered the immediate restart of nuclear weapon tests last week, though he did not specify whether the tests involve airborne delivery with nuclear warheads or nuclear detonations.
Russia Warns of Retaliatory Response
Zacharowa warned that restarting such tests would provoke negative dynamics and provoke retaliatory actions from other countries, including Russia.
Putin Commands Plan for Counter‑Tests
On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin instructed senior officials to prepare a plan that would allow Russia to conduct its own nuclear test in response to any U.S. test.
Analysts Cite Destabilising Risks
Experts say that restarting tests by either country could be a destabilising step, and noted that the last treaty limiting the number of nuclear warheads will expire in three months, potentially sparking an arms race.
Russia’s Atomic Triad Exercise Demonstrates Capabilities
On October 22, Putin supervised the annual exercise of Russia’s atomic triad, involving the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and maneuvering rockets from aircraft, all of which were armed.