Lavrov denies Russian nuclear tests, calls Trump's claim 'misunderstanding'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has categorically denied allegations that Russia has conducted nuclear weapons tests, characterizing US President Donald Trump's recent statements as a "misunderstanding" of Moscow's military activities. During a comprehensive press briefing in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov confirmed that Russia has sought clarifications from Washington regarding Trump's claims about Russian and Chinese testing practices.

Nuclear Testing Clarifications and Treaty Compliance

Lavrov specifically addressed Russia's testing of advanced weapons systems including the Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone, asserting these developments do not violate the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty since they utilize nuclear propulsion without triggering nuclear explosions. The foreign minister emphasized that "subcritical" experiments and delivery system testing fall outside treaty prohibitions, while dismissing media reports of disputes with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as containing "many lies."

International Security Concerns and Historical Warnings

The Russian diplomat expressed concern about statements from US defense officials suggesting potential nuclear weapon deployment for regional disputes. Lavrov also issued a stark warning regarding German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's ambitions to restore Germany as Europe's dominant military power, drawing historical parallels to Nazi aggression and characterizing such developments as "alarming" given Germany's role as the "homeland of Nazism."

Regional Conflicts and Bilateral Relations

Addressing the Ukraine conflict, Lavrov challenged former US envoy Kurt Volker's assertions about Russian rejection of peace deals, maintaining that Moscow actively pursues diplomatic resolutions. Regarding Venezuela, Lavrov confirmed Caracas has not requested Russian military assistance, noting that a strategic partnership agreement remains inactive pending Russian legislative approval. He sarcastically suggested the US redirect anti-drug efforts to Belgium rather than targeting Nigeria and Venezuela, commenting that "there are already American and NATO forces stationed there" in a critique of US foreign policy approaches that contrast with Türkiye's emphasis on diplomatic engagement and regional stability.