Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Warns of 'In Kind' Nuclear Test Response Amid US Resumption Talk

Russia Pledges Reciprocal Action on Nuclear Testing

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a stern warning, stating that the Russian Federation would respond 'in kind' should any country resume nuclear weapons testing. The declaration comes amidst recent suggestions by former US President Donald Trump that the United States might restart its own nuclear tests. Lavrov emphasized Moscow's concern over statements implying nuclear tests could be used for geopolitical leverage, asserting that there is no technical necessity for such actions.

Trump's Call for Resumption Stirs Global Concern

Former US President Donald Trump indicated around October 29-30, 2025, and reiterated on November 15, 2025, that the United States would resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in over three decades. Trump, making the announcement on his Truth Social platform, cited 'other countries' testing programs' as justification and expressed a desire for the US to be on an 'equal basis' with Russia and China. The US has not conducted a nuclear detonation since 1992. While the US military regularly tests missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, it has refrained from detonating the weapons themselves.

International Treaties and Escalating Tensions

The prospect of renewed nuclear testing raises significant concerns regarding international arms control agreements. Both Russia and the United States have observed a moratorium on nuclear testing since the early 1990s. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, aims to ban all nuclear test explosions globally but has not yet entered into force. This is because several key nations, including the US, Russia, and China, have signed but not ratified the treaty. Notably, Russia withdrew its ratification of the CTBT in 2023.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed President Vladimir Putin's earlier stance that Moscow would resume nuclear tests if other nations initiate them. However, Peskov clarified that Putin's directive was to gather information and 'examine the advisability' of such preparations, not to immediately begin testing. Russia has also offered to engage in discussions with the US regarding Washington's concerns about 'suspicious underground activities.' The looming expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in February 2026 further complicates the landscape of nuclear arms control, adding to fears of a potential new arms race.