Russia Warns of Potential Resumption of US Nuclear Testing: Escalating Tensions in the Nuclear Arena

Russia's top diplomat at the UN says his country must prepare for the possibility that the United States could restart nuclear weapons testing. The warning comes after President Trump suggested America might resume nuclear tests in response to Russia's recent cruise missile and nuclear submarine trials.

Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations, called Trump's comments "very serious" during an interview with Russian news agency Sputnik. Trump made the remarks after Russia conducted tests of new cruise missiles and nuclear-powered submarines.

"President Trump stated that America is considering resuming nuclear testing in response to our tests of new cruise missiles and nuclear-powered submarines," Nebenzya said. "This is a very serious statement."

The Russian diplomat emphasized that the outcome of such a move remains unclear. But he pointed to a recent Russian Security Council meeting where President Vladimir Putin stressed the need to take such statements seriously.

"If this happens, we must be prepared for such a development," Nebenzya added.

Both the US and Russia have maintained moratoriums on nuclear weapons testing for decades, though both countries continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals through computer simulations and other methods. A return to actual nuclear testing by either superpower would mark a significant escalation in global nuclear tensions.

The exchange highlights the growing strain between Washington and Moscow over military capabilities and strategic weapons development. Russia has been showcasing new weapons systems in recent years, including hypersonic missiles and nuclear-powered submarines that Putin has described as having unlimited range.