Overview
- Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied allegations of secret Russian nuclear detonations and said Moscow is ready to discuss U.S. concerns, including via global seismic verification.
- Lavrov reiterated that Russia would conduct a nuclear test only if another nuclear power carries out an actual explosive test, distinguishing this from subcritical or delivery-system trials.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said agencies are studying the practicality of preparing for tests and are still waiting for clarification from Washington on President Trump's directive.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that planned U.S. activity will be component and systems evaluations described as noncritical, not full nuclear explosions.
- Senate Democrats introduced the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act to require congressional sign-off and bar U.S. explosive testing unless another state tests first, as New START faces expiration in February 2026.