Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia intends to carry out a nuclear test after he assumes office. This follows an announcement from the United States last week indicating similar intentions.
Kremlin officials mentioned that they have asked relevant ministries to collaborate on a coordinated proposal to potentially initiate preparatory work for nuclear weapon tests. Putin reassured during a meeting of Russia’s National Security Council that “Russia has always strictly complied with its obligations under this agreement and will continue to do so.” He emphasized that there are no plans to deviate from the commitments of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), a treaty that the U.S. signed but never ratified.
If the U.S. or any other signatory to the treaty begins nuclear tests, Putin noted that “Russia will also have to take appropriate and proportionate response measures.”
President Trump revealed last week that the U.S. would resume nuclear tests and hinted at discussions for denuclearization agreements with both Russia and China. In a speech at the American Business Forum in Miami, he claimed, “We’ve rebuilt the nuclear power. We’re the number one nuclear power, and it’s so bad that we don’t want to admit it.” He indicated that China is catching up rapidly and expressed hope for potential cooperation on denuclearization plans among the three nations.
On Truth Social, Trump stated, “As other countries have nuclear testing programs, I have directed the Department of the Army to begin testing nuclear weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.” The Department of the Army will oversee testing for nuclear-capable weapons, while the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) will manage explosive testing. Currently, about 1,400 NNSA employees, making up 80% of its workforce, are on furlough due to a government shutdown.
Even though the U.S. regularly tests nuclear-capable missiles and rockets, it hasn’t conducted an explosive nuclear test since 1992. Russia’s last known test occurred in 1990. Recently, Russia claimed to have tested two vehicles, including an undersea torpedo and a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
On Wednesday, the U.S. launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, which traveled 4,200 miles to a test site in the Marshall Islands.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev remarked on social media that “no one knows what President Trump meant about ‘nuclear tests’,” suggesting perhaps even Trump himself is unclear. He stressed that, as the president, Trump’s words will have consequences, and Russia will decide if a full-scale nuclear test is warranted.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belosov commented on the situation, expressing concerns that the U.S. is “actively strengthening its strategic strike capabilities.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on the U.S.’s actual actions rather than just political statements.
