Overview

• 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.