Overview
- Putin directed the foreign and defense ministries, special services, and civilian agencies to gather information and submit proposals on a potential start to nuclear-test preparations.
- The Kremlin clarified that the order does not launch preparations and focuses on assessing the expediency of possible tests.
- Senior Russian lawmakers cast the move as a direct signal to Washington following President Trump’s directive to restart U.S. nuclear testing.
- Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said Russia could stage tests at short notice at Novaya Zemlya, and General Valery Gerasimov urged taking measures given preparation timelines of months to years.
- No nuclear detonations have been reported, as the U.S. conducted a pre-notified unarmed Minuteman III launch and U.S. officials offered mixed messages on whether Trump’s directive involves explosive blasts.