President Vladimir Putin has instructed security and diplomatic agencies to present options for the possible preparation to resume nuclear tests—the first time since the early 1990s. The discussion took place on November 5 at a Security Council meeting and was Moscow’s strongest statement on strategic stability in recent years.
The starting point was the remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had suggested a review of American nuclear policy and the possibility of returning to testing. Russian intelligence had requested official clarification from Washington, but according to Sergey Naryshkin, there was “no substantive reaction.” Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that the US is “aimed at preparing and conducting tests,” which became the key argument for discussing Moscow’s potential response.
Defense Minister Andrey Belousov recommended immediately beginning technical preparation for full-scale nuclear explosions, emphasizing that the infrastructure on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago is capable of quickly transitioning to practical work. This site was used by the USSR for decades of testing and remains a strategic asset, suitable for resuming work after recent modernizations. According to open sources, the Novaya Zemlya test complex has been regularly maintained and used for underground research without nuclear explosions in recent years. This allows Russia to adapt the site for full-fledged testing in a short timeframe.
Putin stressed that Moscow is not abandoning its position on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), but any step by other states toward explosive testing would force Russia to “react symmetrically.” International organization experts previously warned that if even one major power proceeds with a real warhead test, it would break the unstated 30-year moratorium and could force other countries to accelerate modernization programs. Such a scenario is already being discussed in European and Asian expert circles following statements from the US and China about a possible adjustment of their own testing policies.
Some American statements concern not explosive tests but subcritical tests—checking warhead components without a nuclear chain reaction. This format does not violate the CTBT, but it creates grounds for political accusations and pressure, which was a factor in the escalation. Certain analytical reports indicate that Washington is considering deploying intermediate-range missiles with a flight time to targets in Central Russia of about 6–7 minutes—this sharply alters the strategic landscape and heightens Russian concerns.
Specialists note that preparing for tests is not only a political decision but also a large-scale technical task: it requires checking tunnel systems, geodesic sensors, ventilation shafts, and equipment for monitoring radiation emissions. Such work can be masked as regular maintenance, creating an effect of uncertainty. The Kremlin, through its press service, separately clarified that the discussion is precisely about “working through options,” and not an adopted decision to detonate an explosion, which allows Moscow to demonstrate toughness without formally violating the moratorium.
If the US takes a step toward real testing, Moscow, judging by the statements, will almost certainly follow suit. This would mean the de facto end of the global deterrence regime formed after the Cold War, and would lead to: the acceleration of nuclear arsenal modernization by several states; an increase in military presence in the Arctic, where the key Russian test complex is located; the exacerbation of relations between Moscow and NATO; and the risk of a “chain reaction”—where medium-sized powers begin their own programs.
Russia is exploring the possibility of resuming nuclear tests for the first time in three decades. At the Security Council meeting, Vladimir Putin instructed the Ministry of Defense, the Foreign Ministry, and special services to prepare a detailed analysis and present proposals for transitioning to a practical phase. The reason was statements by US President Donald Trump about the possibility of reviewing American nuclear policy and Washington’s evasive answers to Moscow’s inquiries.
Defense Minister Andrey Belousov insists on immediate technical preparation for full-scale explosions, and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that the US is considering its own tests and the deployment of intermediate-range missiles with a flight time to Central Russia within minutes. The Novaya Zemlya complex, modernized in recent years, remains the key site, allowing Russia to promptly move to full-scale checks of its warheads. Vladimir Putin emphasized that Moscow will not initiate the violation of the moratorium but will be forced to respond if other countries proceed with testing.
Such steps could lead to the destruction of the unstated nuclear deterrence regime in effect since the early 1990s and trigger a new round of the global arms race, from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific region.
