The potential of a global nuclear testing race is once again escalating, raising alarm bells for world leaders and security experts. Tensions are increasing among great powers, and bold statements from prominent individuals like US President Donald Trump add to the uncertainty.
Why is Russia considering resuming nuclear tests?
In response, Russia has indicated that, on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, it is assessing the prospect of resuming nuclear testing. Experts warn that the mere idea of restarting nuclear testing might not only create instability in international security but also initiate an arms race and increase the chances of triggering a new world war. As nations keep a watchful eye on each other’s activities, the world faces an increasing fear that the fragile balance of nuclear deterrence could be disrupted.
The prospect of a global nuclear arms race is once again intensified. Following statements made by United States President Donald Trump, Russia has indicated that it is assessing the possibility of resuming nuclear tests on the orders of President Vladimir Putin.
What did Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov announce?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Saturday that work is already being done, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, to prepare proposals for a potential Russian nuclear test, according to state news agency TASS. “Regarding President Vladimir Putin’s instruction at the Security Council meeting on November 5, it has been accepted for implementation and is being worked on. The public will be informed of the results,” Lavrov was quoted as saying to TASS.
During a speech at a National Security Council meeting, Putin echoed his earlier remark that Russia would only resume nuclear testing if the United States did. Nonetheless, he called for the Defense Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and a number of government departments to study Washington’s intentions and prepare possible proposals to resume nuclear weapons tests.
The U.S. military has routinely tested nuclear-capable weapons but hasn’t conducted a nuclear detonation since 1992. The United States signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) but didn’t ratify, and has been adopted by all nuclear-armed states except North Korea, which has not joined the treaty.
As stated by Lavrov, Moscow has not yet received any clarification from Washington through diplomatic channels about US President Donald Trump’s statement on nuclear testing. During the Security Council meeting broadcast, Putin was heard saying Russia will only resume nuclear testing if the United States does first. Plans for U.S. Nuclear Testing Putin’s comments come in light of last week, when U.S. President Donald Trump stated his administration is working on resuming American nuclear weapons testing for the first time in over three decades.