Overview
- Defense Minister Belousov proposed beginning immediate preparations for a full nuclear test and said the Novaya Zemlya site could be ready on short notice.
- At a security council meeting shown on state TV, Putin declined to endorse the proposal on the spot and asked for further reporting and intelligence.
- Putin reiterated that Russia remains bound by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty but warned of a reciprocal response if another country conducts a test.
- The Kremlin recently touted experimental successes of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon torpedo, with developers receiving state awards.
- Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a first call with Volodymyr Zelensky, pledging continued support for Ukraine as he said forces are holding defensive lines.