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9h ago

Putin Touts Nuclear-Powered Weapons Tests as Trump Orders U.S. Nuclear Testing to Resume

The president’s instruction leaves the type and timing of any tests unspecified.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright listens as President Donald Trump meets with Argentina's President Javier Milei in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright holds a press conference on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Austria, September 15, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner/File Photo
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright comments on the National Nuclear Security Administration furloughing 1,400 federal workers as part of the shutdown which began Oct. 1, during a news conference at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) in Las Vegas on Monday Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright speaks with union members at the National Nuclear Security Administration where he announced the furloughing of 1,400 federal workers as part of the shutdown which began Oct. 1, during a news conference at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) in Las Vegas on Monday Oct. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

Overview

  • Vladimir Putin highlighted an Oct. 21 test of the Burevestnik nuclear‑propelled cruise missile and later said Russia tested the Poseidon nuclear‑powered underwater drone.
  • These announcements concerned delivery systems rather than detonating nuclear warheads, and reporting notes Russia’s last warhead test was in 1990 and the U.S. halted explosive testing in 1992.
  • President Trump stated he has directed U.S. nuclear weapons testing to restart "on an equal basis," prompting questions over whether that implies underground explosive tests.
  • Analysts and a senior Russian lawmaker portrayed Moscow’s moves as leverage to draw Western leaders into broader negotiations on security, sanctions, energy, and business.
  • The Burevestnik and Poseidon raise contamination concerns given a 2019 Burevestnik accident, while the Washington Examiner reports U.S. intelligence believes Russia and China have conducted covert testing despite official denials.