Russia has expressed concern over US President Donald Trump's directive to prepare for nuclear tests, warning it poses a direct threat to the decades-long moratorium on nuclear testing. The moratorium has contributed significantly to reducing the risk of a renewed nuclear arms race. According to Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Trump's announcement on October 29, 2025, regarding the preparation for US nuclear tests, raises concerns about the future of the test ban regime.
Zakharova made the comments on the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) for signature. The treaty, which aims to ban all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes, was signed in 1996. Although it has not yet entered into force, the CTBT has established a strong international norm against nuclear testing. Zakharova emphasized the importance of maintaining the test ban regime, warning that any steps towards resuming nuclear tests could undermine international efforts to prevent a new nuclear arms race.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also criticized US accusations against other countries, claiming they engage in activities that contradict the treaty's provisions. Zakharova argued that such statements from Washington are part of an effort to renege on international commitments. She stressed that Russia remains committed to the CTBT and the goal of preventing a new nuclear arms race.
The CTBT has been signed by 184 countries, but it has not yet entered into force due to the lack of ratification from several key countries. Despite this, the treaty has had a significant impact on international efforts to reduce nuclear testing. The US, in particular, has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992, although it has maintained the option to do so.
Trump's directive to prepare for nuclear tests has raised concerns among nuclear non-proliferation experts, who warn that it could lead to a new era of nuclear testing and proliferation. The US has previously stated that it will only conduct nuclear tests if necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of its nuclear stockpile.
Russia's concerns about US plans for nuclear tests come amid heightened tensions between the two countries over a range of issues, including arms control and nuclear non-proliferation. The two countries have been engaged in a dialogue aimed at reducing nuclear tensions, but progress has been slow.
The international community has called for restraint and caution on nuclear testing, with many countries emphasizing the importance of maintaining the moratorium on nuclear testing. The CTBT has been widely supported as a key component of international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict.
Key points
- Russia warns US plans for nuclear tests threaten decades-long moratorium
- US President Donald Trump's directive raises concerns about future of test ban regime
- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has established strong international norm against nuclear testing
