Russia seeks US clarification on Trump's nuclear testing remarks

Russia has not been provided with any official clarification from Washington concerning recent statements by US President Donald Trump about potentially resuming nuclear weapons testing. Top diplomat Sergey Lavrov confirmed the absence of communication through formal diplomatic channels.

Lavrov's Statement on the Issue

Responding to media inquiries in Moscow, Foreign Minister Lavrov revealed that no explanations have been forthcoming from the American side. "No, we haven’t yet received any explanation through diplomatic channels about what President Donald Trump meant when he announced the resumption of nuclear testing," Lavrov was quoted as saying by the Tass news agency. This statement highlights a significant gap in dialogue on a critical security matter.

Putin's Conditional Stance

The Russian position was previously outlined by President Vladimir Putin, who indicated that Moscow is prepared to mirror such actions. During a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Putin instructed security officials to analyze reports of US testing and to ensure Russia is ready to conduct its own nuclear tests if other nations do so first. Both the US and Russia have observed a moratorium on nuclear testing since the early 1990s.

Broader Context and Treaty Status

The developments occur against a backdrop of deteriorating arms control frameworks. The New START Treaty, a key agreement limiting deployed strategic nuclear warheads, was extended until 2026. However, President Putin announced Russia's suspension of its participation in February 2023, citing adversarial policies from Western nations. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has publicly emphasized the necessity of maintaining and verifying the US nuclear arsenal.