Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled the United States’ intention to resume nuclear testing a “serious issue,” warning of possible retaliatory measures and stressing the importance of preserving global strategic stability.

His comments came days after US President Donald Trump announced that he had instructed the US Department of War to restart nuclear testing, claiming it was necessary because “others [were] doing testing” and asserting it was “appropriate” for the United States to do the same.

Speaking at a meeting with permanent members of Russia’s Security Council, Putin emphasized the seriousness of Trump’s statements and said they warranted thorough analysis.

"Yes, indeed, this is a serious issue," Putin said.

The Russian president noted that Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev had sent a telegram seeking clarification on Trump’s remarks. He added that the Security Council had already begun reviewing public statements made by officials in US ruling circles concerning nuclear tests.

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Russia reaffirms commitment to CTBT

Putin reaffirmed that Russia remains fully committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and has no intention of abandoning its obligations under the agreement.

"I would like to say that Russia has always strictly adhered to and adheres to its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and we have no plans to step away from these obligations," he stated.

However, he reiterated a warning first made in 2023, noting that should the United States or any other CTBT party resume nuclear testing, Russia “will also have to take appropriate retaliatory actions.”

Moscow warns of US strategic weapons build-up

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov echoed Putin’s concerns, highlighting what he described as Washington’s ongoing expansion of strategic offensive weapons.

"We must focus not only on the statements and pronouncements of politicians and American officials but, above all, on the actions of the United States of America," Belousov said during the Security Council meeting. "And these actions clearly demonstrate Washington's active increase in strategic offensive weapons."

Belousov added that the United States’ plans to deploy missiles in the Asia-Pacific and Europe pose a direct threat, with some systems potentially reaching central Russia within six to seven minutes from launch sites in Germany.

Russia cautions against destabilizing global security

Both Putin and Belousov warned that a US decision to abandon the nuclear testing moratorium would jeopardize the global arms control framework and could trigger a broader collapse of strategic stability.

“A possible US rejection of the moratorium on nuclear tests may be a step towards destroying the system of global strategic stability,” Belousov said.

Russia’s leadership has emphasized the need to maintain a balance of power and warned that unilateral decisions on nuclear testing could lead to heightened tensions between the world’s major powers.

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