# Russia-US nuclear tension escalation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-us-nuclear-tension-escalation > Updated: 2026-09-24T08:02:59.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated regarding nuclear capabilities and military posturing. Russian state media commentator Vladimir Solovyov issued threats against the United States, stating that direct U.S. military action in Ukraine or attempts to target Russian leadership would justify a “strategic nuclear strike without any discussions.” This occurred alongside reports of increased security and surveillance of state media figures within the Russian regime. Furthering the friction, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned of potential retaliation in response to U.S. preparations for nuclear testing. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized preparations for such tests as a “direct threat to the moratorium” on nuclear testing. While Russia maintains its commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), officials indicated that Moscow would take appropriate measures if the United States or other signatories conduct large-scale tests, amid a reported increase in global nuclear weapons spending. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Russia warns of retaliation over potential U.S. nuclear tests Russia warns it will take retaliatory measures if the United States or other nations conduct large-scale nuclear tests, citing threats to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and global security. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-warns-of-retaliation-over-potential-us-nuclear-tests ### 2026-09-12: Russian propagandist threatens U.S. with nuclear strike Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov threatened the U.S. with a nuclear strike following calls for tougher sanctions, amid reports of increased Kremlin surveillance of state media elites. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-propagandist-threatens-us-with-nuclear-strike --- Cite as: Russia-US nuclear tension escalation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-us-nuclear-tension-escalation