Russia warns of retaliation over potential U.S. nuclear tests

Russia has expressed deep concern regarding preparations by the United States to conduct nuclear tests, warning that such actions could trigger a new global nuclear arms race. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump on October 29, 2025, to begin preparations for nuclear testing represents a direct threat to the moratorium on such tests.

Zakharova emphasized that while Russia remains committed to its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), Moscow will take appropriate retaliatory measures if the United States or any other signatory conducts large-scale nuclear tests. This stance aligns with previous statements by President Vladimir Putin, who affirmed Russia's intention to uphold its treaty commitments while maintaining the right to respond to violations by other nations.

The tension comes amid a reported 19% increase in global spending on nuclear weapons in 2025, with Russia, the United States, and China maintaining the world's largest arsenals.