U.S.–Russia Tensions Escalate: Putin Orders Review on Restarting Nuclear Tests After Trump’s Remarks

Published on: 06 Nov 2025 at 07:52 AM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Tensions between the United States and Russia have intensified following a statement made by U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed senior national security officials to prepare a detailed proposal on resuming nuclear testing, a move that has raised serious global security concerns.

Putin’s Conditional Warning

Putin clarified that Russia will only resume nuclear tests if the United States or any other nuclear-armed nation conducts tests first.

“If the United States or any other nuclear power begins testing again, Russia will act to protect its national interests,” Putin stated.

He emphasized that Russia has so far strictly adhered to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and considers maintaining strategic balance essential for national and global stability.

Russia’s Readiness for Activation

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov confirmed that the country is capable of reactivating its testing infrastructure quickly.

The Novaya Zemlya nuclear test site, located in the Arctic, can be made fully operational in a short period.
Belousov added that recent U.S. efforts to expand nuclear capabilities were a key factor behind Russia’s renewed preparation plans.

Global Security Concerns

International security analysts warn that if both the U.S. and Russia return to nuclear testing, the consequences could be severe:

Arms Control Stability: Current global nuclear arms control mechanisms could weaken or collapse.
Impact on Treaties: Key agreements such as the New START Treaty, which limits strategic nuclear weapons, may also come under threat.

Historical Context

The United States last conducted a nuclear test in 1992.
The Soviet Union (now Russia) last performed a nuclear test in 1990.

What This Means for the World

The possibility of renewed nuclear testing raises fears of a new arms race, increasing geopolitical tensions at a time when global security is already strained by conflicts and mistrust. Experts warn that even discussions of restarting tests could undermine decades of diplomatic progress toward nuclear restraint.