Putin Threatens Nuclear Test Response To Trump’s US Order

 

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered top officials to draft plans for potential nuclear weapons tests after President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to “immediately” resume US nuclear testing for the first time since 1992.

 

Putin told his Security Council that if Washington or any signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) restarts testing, “Russia would be under obligation to take reciprocal measures.” He directed the Foreign and Defence Ministries to “submit coordinated proposals” for possible preparations at Russia’s Arctic test site, Novaya Zemlya.

 

The Kremlin move follows Trump’s October 30 announcement, made days after he accused Moscow of testing its nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile. The White House has also cancelled a planned Trump–Putin summit and reimposed sanctions on Russian oil firms, deepening tensions between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.

 

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov warned the council that Washington’s actions had raised “the level of military threat to Russia,” calling for full nuclear readiness “to inflict unacceptable damage.” General Valery Gerasimov echoed that delay “would cost time and opportunities for response.”

 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had not set a deadline, adding that Russia would wait “to fully understand US intentions” before deciding.

 

The United States and Russia together hold more than 11,000 nuclear warheads. The US has not conducted a nuclear explosion since 1992, while Russia’s last was under the Soviet Union. Analysts warn that renewed testing by either side could unravel decades of restraint and spark a new arms race.

 

Key Takeaways

• Putin orders officials to prepare for nuclear tests if US resumes them.

• Trump directed Pentagon to restart testing, ending 30-year moratorium.

• Analysts warn of destabilising nuclear arms race if both nations proceed.

 

Source: Al Jazeera

 

 

 

Here we go! Everybody happy now?