Russia has issued a warning that it will retaliate if any country—particularly the United States—resumes nuclear testing, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
Speaking to reporters and the State Duma, Ryabkov accused Washington of maintaining nuclear test infrastructure in a state of readiness and signaled that Moscow is closely monitoring U.S. actions. The comments follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks at the Valdai International Discussion Club, where he suggested preparations for nuclear tests were underway elsewhere.
“If a country with the capability makes the erroneous decision to conduct nuclear tests, and Washington is clearly in our focus, then we will retaliate immediately,” he said.
The statements mark a significant escalation in nuclear rhetoric between two of the world’s most critical nuclear powers. Russia’s threat of retaliation and its withdrawal from key arms control agreements signal a deteriorating strategic relationship with the United States. These developments could undermine decades of nuclear non-proliferation efforts and heighten global security risks, particularly as existing treaties approach expiration.
The breakdown of cooperation on plutonium disposal and the uncertain future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) raise concerns about the erosion of arms control frameworks that have helped maintain strategic stability since the end of the Cold War. The absence of dialogue and mutual verification mechanisms could lead to miscalculations and heightened tensions.
What People Are Saying
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters: “I’d like to emphasize that the U.S. has long been keeping its infrastructure ready for such purposes.” Some time ago, we took note of this stance. This occurred when the Russian side made a decision on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).”
He also said, “If a country with the capability makes the erroneous decision to conduct nuclear tests, and Washington is clearly in our focus, then we will retaliate immediately.”
“The thing is, we put forward the proposal, and we extended our hand, but we can do without it (a response – TASS), if they are not interested.
“There is no discussion, and I emphasize this, about the proposal to renew the treaty. The idea is to maintain the key quantitative limits outlined in that agreement for a year after the treaty officially expires, that is, starting on February 6 of next year, strictly provided that the United States does not, for its part, take actions that may disrupt the existing parity and balance in strategic stability.”
