Russia Considers Resuming Nuclear Tests as Tensions with U.S. Escalate

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov highlights the possibility of nuclear testing and warns of catastrophic risks tied to U.S. policies and Ukraine conflict.

• Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that the resumption of Russian nuclear weapons testing is under consideration, citing a 'complicated' situation.
• Russia has not conducted a nuclear test since 1990, but President Vladimir Putin recently withdrew Russia's ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty.
• Putin's updated nuclear doctrine allows for potential nuclear strikes in response to conventional attacks on Russia or Belarus if deemed critical to sovereignty or territorial integrity.
• The changes come after the U.S. permitted Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
• Ryabkov emphasized that Russia would avoid testing if the U.S. refrains but warned of severe consequences if adversaries miscalculate.

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