Russia, China deny US allegations of violating nuclear testing moratorium

Russia and China remain fully committed to the moratorium on nuclear testing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared Wednesday, firmly rejecting recent US allegations that Moscow and Beijing have violated the decades-long ban on explosive nuclear tests. During a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov stated unequivocally that "neither the Chinese nor the Russians have violated it," noting that Beijing has also "resolutely rejects such accusations and remains committed to the moratorium."

Sanctions Hinder US-Russia Cooperation

The spokesman addressed broader Russia-US relations, acknowledging Moscow's interest in developing cooperation with Washington while noting that American sanctions impede meaningful engagement. "The sanctions, which we, of course, consider illegal, hinder the establishment of trade and economic interaction between Russia and the US," Peskov said. "Potentially, there could be many projects on the agenda, but to achieve this, we need to revive our relations." His comments underscore the continued chill in bilateral ties despite occasional diplomatic contacts.

Cuba Solidarity Discussed

Peskov confirmed that possible assistance to Cuba was discussed during Wednesday's meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, though he said no specific discussions occurred with Washington regarding the US fuel blockade against Havana. The United States recently imposed a fuel embargo on Cuba after halting oil shipments from Mexico and Venezuela and capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Washington has also threatened proportional import duties on countries supplying fuel to Cuba, deepening the island's acute shortages. The Russian Embassy in Havana announced last week that Moscow would soon begin shipments of oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid, reinforcing Russia's strategic partnership with the Caribbean nation.

Nuclear Test Moratorium Context

The exchange over nuclear testing occurs against the backdrop of longstanding international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and maintain testing moratoriums. While the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has not entered into force, the United States, Russia, and China have all observed voluntary testing moratoriums for decades. US allegations of potential violations, if sustained, could undermine arms control confidence and complicate nuclear non-proliferation efforts at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.