Vladimir Putin orders nuclear test preparations amid US test announcement
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered preparations for possible nuclear weapons testing, marking one of the most alarming developments in global security in recent years. The directive follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States would resume its first nuclear test in over three decades. Putin’s response signals a potential escalation of nuclear tensions reminiscent of the Cold War era.
Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and intelligence agencies
According to The Independent (November 2025), Putin has instructed Russia’s Defence Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and intelligence agencies to gather information and draw up plans for potential nuclear test operations. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov stated that Washington’s recent statements made it “advisable to prepare for full-scale nuclear tests.” This statement suggests that Moscow is ready to match any American move in the nuclear domain, underlining the fragile state of global disarmament efforts.
Renewed Nuclear Arms Race
The decision has raised deep concerns among international observers, as it could ignite a renewed nuclear arms race between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. Together, Russia and the United States control nearly 87 percent of the global nuclear arsenal. Analysts fear that renewed testing could erode decades of progress achieved under treaties such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear explosions but has yet to be fully ratified by key nations, including the U.S.
Russia–Ukraine conflict
Global reactions have been swift. NATO members have expressed concern over the escalation, while the United Nations has urged both countries to refrain from actions that could destabilize global peace. Many experts view the latest move as part of a larger geopolitical power struggle amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and strained U.S.–Russia relations.
