Moscow: Russia has formally called on the United States to provide a “clear explanation” regarding recent statements about resuming nuclear weapons testing, warning that any such move could trigger serious reactions from other nuclear powers. The request comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to “immediately” restart a nuclear-testing process, though the details of what type of testing were intended remain ambiguous.
At a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that Washington’s statements lacked sufficient clarity. It remains uncertain whether Trump referred to underground nuclear explosions or non-explosive system tests of nuclear-capable delivery systems. “Without precise details, it is difficult for Russia to assess the implications for global strategic stability,” Zakharova said.
Russia has not conducted a full nuclear test since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, following the U.S. announcement, President Vladimir Putin instructed senior officials to prepare proposals for potential Russian tests in response. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Moscow does not fully understand the nature of the U.S. intentions and stressed that Russia remains formally committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), despite Washington’s ambiguous position.
Experts warn that any U.S. decision to resume nuclear explosive testing could trigger an escalatory “action reaction” cycle among major powers. Moscow could respond with its own tests or by adjusting its nuclear deployments and strategic doctrines. The move also raises concerns for China and other nuclear-armed states, potentially prompting adjustments in their own nuclear strategies.
U.S. officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, clarified that “system tests” might refer to non-explosive evaluations of nuclear components, rather than detonations. Nevertheless, the lack of clear communication has fueled uncertainty in international security circles.
The episode highlights the fragile state of global arms control. The CTBT, though widely signed, has never entered into force. A U.S. resumption of testing would challenge decades of arms control norms and could undermine verification frameworks designed to prevent nuclear proliferation. Analysts note that both Moscow and Washington continue to operate in a partially codified space, where legal commitments and strategic imperatives often collide.
Key developments to watch include whether the U.S. provides detailed clarification on its testing plans, and how Russia responds whether through strategic announcements, test preparations, or deployment adjustments. Observers will also be monitoring reactions from China and other nuclear powers, as well as the broader impact on arms-control treaties and non-proliferation efforts.
The current situation underscores how a single policy statement, even one that lacks operational detail, can rapidly shift the strategic calculus among the world’s nuclear powers, placing the global community on alert over the future of nuclear stability.