Kremlin Denies Return to Nuclear Testing After Missile, Drone Trials Amid US Tensions

The Kremlin has denied that recent Russian tests of the nuclear-capable Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone constitute nuclear weapons testing, emphasizing that no nuclear detonations occurred and that Russia continues to observe the global moratorium on nuclear explosions. These clarifications followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to resume American nuclear weapons testing, citing Russia's recent activities as justification to maintain parity. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that the weapons tests were conventional and not breaches of nuclear testing norms, warning that Russia would respond if the United States abandoned the moratorium. Although Trump called for tests "on an equal basis" with other nations, it remains unclear whether he referred to live nuclear detonations or tests of delivery systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Putin has similarly warned that Russia would follow any U.S. resumption of nuclear testing, signaling heightened tensions but with an official downplaying of a renewed arms race. Both countries currently hold over 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons, making this a critical moment for nuclear arms control and international stability.