Putin Orders Feasibility Study on Nuclear Tests Following Trump's Remarks

Kremlin Responds to US Nuclear Testing Speculation

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, instructed his government and security agencies to conduct a feasibility study into the potential resumption of nuclear weapons tests. This directive follows remarks made by US President Donald Trump last week, indicating that the United States might restart its own atomic testing program.

During a meeting of Russia's Security Council, President Putin emphasized that Moscow would only consider resuming nuclear tests if the United States or other treaty participants were to conduct such tests first. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later clarified that the order was for a 'feasibility study' and not an immediate command to prepare for nuclear tests, stating that the analysis would continue 'as much as is necessary to clearly understand American intentions.'

Context of Trump's Statements and International Treaties

President Trump's comments, made around October 30, 2025, suggested the US would resume nuclear testing 'on an equal basis' with other countries, specifically mentioning Russia and China. Trump asserted that 'Russia's testing, and China's testing, but they don't talk about it,' a claim that has been met with skepticism by nuclear policy experts. The US last conducted an explosive nuclear test in 1992, while Russia's last such test was in 1990, prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, prohibits nuclear test explosions. While Russia ratified the CTBT in 2000, it officially rescinded its ratification in November 2023, citing an 'imbalance' with the US, which signed but never ratified the treaty. Despite de-ratifying, Russia has stated its intention to continue adhering to a nuclear testing moratorium unless Washington conducts tests first.

Calls for Immediate Preparation and Strategic Implications

During the Security Council meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov advocated for 'immediate preparations' for full-scale nuclear tests, highlighting that the Novaya Zemlya test site in the Arctic region could facilitate such tests rapidly. Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov noted that preparing for such tests could take 'several months to several years,' emphasizing the need for timely action to respond to potential US moves.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified on November 2, 2025, that the Trump administration's plans for testing would likely involve 'system tests' or 'noncritical explosions,' rather than actual warhead detonations. However, nonproliferation experts have warned that a resumption of US nuclear testing could destabilize global security and accelerate a new arms race.

International Reactions and Future Outlook

The prospect of renewed nuclear testing by major powers has raised concerns among the international community. The Russian Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, and other relevant agencies have been tasked with gathering additional information and analyzing US intentions to formulate coordinated proposals. The situation underscores heightened geopolitical tensions and the fragility of existing arms control agreements.