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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow stands prepared to conduct nuclear weapons tests if the United States or other nations resume testing, directing security officials to analyze recent reports and prepare response measures.
Putin's statement came during a Security Council meeting convened after media reports suggested Washington had tested nuclear weapons. The United States has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992, and no confirmation of recent testing has emerged from U.S. officials.
The Russian president ordered the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, intelligence services and related civilian agencies to gather information on the matter and present proposals on initiating preparations for nuclear testing.
"Back in 2023, it was stated that if the US or other states participating in the relevant treaty were to conduct such tests, Russia would also need to take appropriate responsive measures accordingly," Putin said.
Russia last conducted nuclear tests in 1990 as part of the Soviet Union.
Putin's directive follows President Donald Trump's Oct. 31 announcement on Truth Social that he had instructed the Pentagon to begin nuclear weapons testing.
"Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately," Trump wrote, using his rebranded name for the Department of Defense.
At Wednesday's Security Council session, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov told Putin that preparations for immediate full-scale nuclear testing should begin, citing recent U.S. actions. Belousov pointed to Russia's testing site at Novaya Zemlya, saying its readiness would allow tests on short notice.
The remote Arctic archipelago hosted the Soviet Union's 1961 test of the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated.
"If we do not take appropriate measures now, then time and opportunities for a timely response to the actions of the United States will be lost, since the time required to prepare for nuclear tests, depending on their type, ranges from several months to several years," Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said at the meeting.
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