Russia Prepares New Nuclear Weapons Tests After Trump Calls to Restart U.S. Testing

Russia has moved to prepare for potential nuclear weapons tests after Donald Trump called for the United States to restart its own testing.

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9news.au

Vladimir Putin ordered officials to prepare proposals for potentially resuming nuclear weapons tests, while stressing Russia would act reciprocally.

9news.au

Putin instructed ministries to analyze U.S. intentions and plan accordingly.

Reporting links Moscow’s step directly to Trump’s remarks, noting Putin’s stance that Russia would only resume if Washington does first.

Multiple outlets add that Moscow recently unraveled a key restraint by revoking its ratification of the nuclear test ban.

Putin has also requested formal reports on options to restart tests.

How far the United States is actually moving toward explosive tests is contested across sources.

PressTV asserts that Trump issued an "October 30 order to immediately resume nuclear testing, ending a moratorium in place since 1992."

Al Jazeera

NHK says Trump gave a "directive to the Pentagon to conduct such tests."

In contrast, The Journal reports U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that any new activity "would not involve nuclear explosions."

Fakti.bg similarly says Trump’s remarks were "ambiguous" and likely referred to testing delivery systems.

DIE WELT adds Trump has "urged new weapons testing" to keep pace with rivals, underscoring that even the characterization of Trump’s role varies.

Inside Russia, senior security officials are pressing for readiness.

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CBS News

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has called for immediate preparations for full-scale tests.

The Journal notes that the Novaya Zemlya Arctic site is ready for use.

NHK reports that Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said preparations could take several months to years depending on the test type.

Gerasimov warned against delay in these preparations.

PressTV states that defense officials see heightened threats from a U.S. move and urge readiness.

News.liga.net reports plans for a preemptive nuclear strike exercise and accusations of U.S. provocations.

The testing debate is entangled with Russia’s claims about new strategic systems and arms control.

Al Jazeera says Putin has showcased the Burevestnik and the Poseidon as revolutionary arms.

CNN

Experts express skepticism given scant technical detail and a history of problematic testing, including accidents.

The Journal notes Putin announced successful tests of new Russian nuclear-capable weapons as Trump’s comments arrived.

PressTV amplifies warnings that renewed testing risks a destabilizing arms race.

Fakti.bg goes further, alleging Russia has already resumed low-yield nuclear tests since 2019, a claim not echoed by others.

The-star.co.ke adds that while Putin reaffirmed commitment to the CTBT, he said Russia would respond if others violate it.

European and regional coverage often embeds the nuclear testing issue within wider wartime and diplomatic dynamics.

“Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN that Russia is contemplating starting preparations for nuclear testing”

CNN

DIE WELT places Trump’s push for testing in a broader escalation narrative and notes cautious responses from Putin while focusing on intensified European defense cooperation with Ukraine.

CNN

El Mundo similarly situates the testing question within battlefield and diplomatic updates, noting Putin has requested reports on resuming tests.

The Journal supplies the key treaty context—Russia’s CTBT de-ratification in 2023.

KABB underscores the immediate trigger: Moscow’s announcement came shortly after Trump said the U.S. was ready to restart testing.