Sergey Ryabkov Photo: Ria Novosti
Against the backdrop of what Moscow considers to be a “hostile” policy on the part of the United States, Russian authorities are discussing the possibility of resuming nuclear tests. This issue remains “open”, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, as quoted by TASS and Reuters.
“The situation is quite complicated”
According to Ryabkov, the current geopolitical situation and military aspects are being carefully analysed by the Russian side. “This issue is under discussion. Without prejudice, I can only say that the situation is quite complicated,” the diplomat stressed.
These statements came after President Vladimir Putin earlier said that Russia would not conduct nuclear tests if the United States refrained from doing so. Moscow last conducted such tests in 1990, a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Changes in nuclear doctrine
This month, the Kremlin lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons by adjusting its military doctrine. Russia may now consider a nuclear strike in response to a conventional attack if it poses a “critical threat to the sovereignty or territorial integrity” of Russia or Belarus.
Putin attributed these changes to the escalation of Western support for Ukraine, including the supply of long-range missiles that are already being used to strike Russian targets.
History of nuclear testing
Russia’s nuclear test site is located on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. During the Soviet era, more than 200 nuclear tests were conducted there.
Last year, Putin signed a law withdrawing Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The president said that this was a step to align Russia’s position with the United States, which had signed but not ratified the treaty.
Possible consequences
The possibility of Russia’s resumption of nuclear tests is a matter of serious international concern, as it could lead to a new round of arms race and threaten global stability. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, trying to assess their impact on security and strategic balance.
