Moscow — Tensions between Washington and Moscow escalated after US President Donald Trump declared that the United States would restart nuclear weapons testing, citing the expanding nuclear programs of China and Russia.
In response, the Kremlin strongly rejected claims that it had resumed nuclear testing. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Russia’s recent trials involved nuclear-capable drones and missiles, but did not include the detonation of nuclear warheads. “These cannot in any way be considered nuclear tests,” Peskov said, urging Washington to rely on accurate briefings rather than misinterpretations.
Russia emphasized that it has not conducted a nuclear test since 1990, when it carried out its last explosion under the Soviet Union. However, Peskov warned that if the United States breaks the international moratorium, Moscow will not hesitate to take retaliatory measures.
President Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, said he had instructed the US military to begin nuclear testing “on an equal basis” with other countries. He argued that China’s nuclear program is expanding rapidly and could reach parity with the United States within the next five years.
The announcement has raised alarm among arms control experts, who note that the US has not conducted a nuclear detonation since 1992, and that resuming tests could unravel decades of non-proliferation efforts. Russia’s warning underscores the risk of a renewed Cold War-style arms race, with both sides signaling they are prepared to escalate if the other abandons restraint.
Observers say the situation could complicate already strained US-Russia relations, while also drawing China deeper into the nuclear competition. With global disarmament treaties under pressure, the prospect of renewed testing threatens to destabilize international security frameworks that have held for more than three decades.