Overview
- President Trump continues to allege Russia and China are secretly conducting nuclear tests and has not ruled out future detonations, saying the United States will test "like other countries."
- China publicly denies the accusation through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, and Russia says it has not detonated nuclear devices even as it touts trials of nuclear‑capable delivery systems.
- Moscow warns it would resume explosive testing if Washington does, raising the prospect of reciprocal moves by major nuclear powers.
- The United States has not carried out a nuclear detonation since 1992 and has relied on simulations and non‑explosive experiments under a global moratorium and a signed but unratified CTBT.
- Experts and international leaders warn of renewed nuclear competition, with Finland’s president describing a "new era" for nuclear weapons and the New START treaty set to expire in February 2026.