On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear arms trials, stating that ‘the process will begin immediately’ in response to ‘other countries’ testing programs. This announcement came as a direct challenge to the existing nuclear moratorium, which has been in place since the U.S. halted its testing in 1992 under a Congress-mandated policy. Trump’s decision has raised concerns among international observers, as it appears to shift the global balance of power in the context of nuclear arsenals.
Russia’s response came swiftly, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that ‘if someone abandons the moratorium, then Russia will act accordingly.’ Peskov underscored that the United States ‘has every right to make sovereign decisions,’ but also emphasized that any action by the U.S. would not go unanswered. This stance reflects a broader policy of deterrence, with Russia maintaining a firm position on nuclear non-proliferation and strategic stability. The Kremlin’s message was clear: Russia is prepared to take any necessary steps to ensure its national security interests are protected.
While Trump’s announcement focused on the resumption of nuclear testing, Peskov also addressed recent claims that Russia may have conducted its own nuclear tests. He clarified that the Burevestnik, a new Russian nuclear-capable cruise missile, does not constitute a nuclear test, as it is powered by a small nuclear reactor and not designed for explosive detonation. Despite this, the U.S. has a history of conducting its own nuclear tests, including the launch of unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles in February and the deployment of Trident II missiles from a submarine in September. These actions have been part of the U.S. military’s ongoing efforts to maintain its nuclear capabilities.
The global nuclear arms race has intensified in recent years, with the United States and Russia both maintaining large arsenals. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the U.S. currently possesses 5,177 nuclear warheads, while Russia has 5,459. China, on the other hand, is projected to reach 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035. The resumption of nuclear testing by the U.S. and the potential for Russian retaliation highlight the ongoing strategic competition between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. This development has significant implications for international security and the potential for escalation in a highly sensitive and volatile area of global politics.