Putin Orders Review of Nuclear Test Plans After Trump’s Comments

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed government officials to explore the possibility of resuming nuclear tests. This directive follows remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump on October 30, 2023, indicating that the United States may restart its own nuclear testing program. During a meeting with his Security Council, Putin emphasized that Russia would only consider resuming tests if the U.S. takes similar steps.

In his address, Putin ordered the defense and foreign ministries, along with other relevant agencies, to assess Washington’s intentions regarding nuclear weapons and to prepare proposals for potential testing. The former U.S. President’s comments suggested a shift in U.S. policy, as he mentioned the need for nuclear tests on an “equal basis” with Russia and China.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that any new tests of the U.S. nuclear arsenal initiated by Trump would not involve actual nuclear explosions. Trump’s announcement came while he was in South Korea, shortly after Putin showcased successful tests of advanced nuclear-capable weaponry, including a new cruise missile and an underwater drone.

The backdrop to these developments includes the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which the U.S. signed in 1996 but never ratified. Russia, meanwhile, has taken steps to revoke its ratification of the treaty, with Putin asserting that this move was necessary to ensure parity with the U.S. The only nation to have conducted nuclear tests since the CTBT’s inception is North Korea.

During the Security Council meeting, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov briefed Putin on U.S. efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal, claiming that these developments heighten military threats to Russia. He proposed that preparations begin for nuclear tests at the Arctic Novaya Zemlya archipelago, the site of the last Soviet nuclear test in 1990. Chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov supported the call for prompt preparations, highlighting the need for Russia to respond decisively to U.S. actions.

Gerasimov warned that delays in response could hinder Russia’s ability to effectively counter U.S. military strategies, as preparations for nuclear tests can take several months to years. Following discussions with military leaders, Putin directed government agencies to gather further information and analyze the situation in coordination with the Security Council.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin did not order immediate preparations for nuclear tests but sought a comprehensive understanding of U.S. intentions before making any decisions. He emphasized that Moscow must carefully evaluate the implications of Trump’s statements.

In a subsequent comment, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of the Security Council, expressed that Russia must take Trump’s comments seriously. He acknowledged the ambiguity in Trump’s statements but noted the inherent responsibility of a U.S. president, emphasizing that Russia would need to assess the necessity of conducting nuclear tests in light of the situation.

These developments mark a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between Russia and the United States, particularly in the context of arms control and nuclear policy. As both nations navigate this complex landscape, the implications of their nuclear strategies will be closely monitored by the international community.