Russia Pledges To Refrain From Nuclear Tests Unless US Acts

Russia's arms control official stated that the country would not conduct nuclear tests as long as the United States refrains. Amid increasing speculations and preparations at nuclear sites, Kremlin underscores any future testing would depend on U.S. actions. This follows strained relations due to the Ukraine war.

Russia has committed not to test nuclear weapons unless the United States does so first, according to a statement by President Vladimir Putin's key arms control official. This declaration comes amid rising speculation that Moscow might resume its nuclear tests, suspended since the post-Soviet era.

As Western allies discuss giving Ukraine the capacity to strike within Russian borders, Russia has by preparation at its Novaya Zemlya nuclear test site. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reaffirmed that Russia would only resume testing if provoked by similar steps from the U.S.

With the Ukraine war causing the worst West-Russia tensions since the Cuban Missile Crisis, potential nuclear testing has heightened concerns. Moscow insists that it feels alarmed by the United States’ recent actions, particularly the deployment of mid-range missiles in the Philippines.