Putin Orders Nuclear Weapons: Russia has intensified preparations for nuclear tests after Trump’s indications of resuming nuclear tests. Defense and military officials told Putin that if steps were not taken in time, it would be difficult to respond immediately.
Russia Nuclear Test: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered officials to prepare proposals for resuming nuclear tests. This step has been taken in response to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, in which he indicated that America may also resume its nuclear tests. Putin reiterated at the Security Council meeting that Moscow would resume nuclear tests only if the United States does so. But he directed all government agencies, including the defense and foreign ministries, to analyze Washington’s intentions and prepare proposals for resuming nuclear tests.
What did Trump say?
On October 30, Trump had indicated that America would resume its nuclear tests after 30 years. He said it would be on an equal basis with Russia and China. However, US Power Secretary Chris Wright said the new tests would not involve a nuclear explosion. Trump made the announcement on social media during a visit to South Korea, just days after Putin reported successful tests of a nuclear-capable cruise missile and underwater drone. Putin’s move was a clear message to Trump that Russia is sticking to most of its demands in the Ukraine conflict.
Why did Putin take this step?
Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that America is trying to modernize its nuclear weapons. If the US resumes nuclear testing, it would signal a serious military threat to Russia. Belousov suggested that Russia immediately begin preparations for nuclear tests in the Novaya Zemlya Islands in the Arctic. This is the same place where the Soviet Union conducted its last nuclear test in 1990. Military General Valery Gerasimov also supported its immediate launch. He said, ‘If we do not take appropriate steps now, we will lose time and opportunity to immediately respond to America’s activities. It takes months or years to prepare for a nuclear test.