Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has directed his government to write ideas for “the likely initiation of preparation activities for nuclear weapons testing,” a step that intensifies nuclear tensions throughout the world. This directive comes just one week after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he had instructed the Pentagon to resume testing American nuclear weapons. The back-to-back announcements mark a potential rupture in a decades-long informal moratorium on live nuclear weapons tests.
What Did Putin Actually Order?
On Wednesday, Putin instructed Russia’s defence and foreign ministries, along with its security services, to “gather information on this topic.” Their task is to analyze the situation and present formal proposals for potentially beginning the complex preparation process required for such tests. This order was a direct response to Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, who explicitly suggested to “begin immediate preparations” for testing at the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic, a historic Soviet nuclear test site.
The American Trigger: What Did Trump Say?
The catalyst for this escalation stems from comments made by Donald Trump. Last week, he stated that he had directed the Department of War—an outdated term for the Department of Defense—to “start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis.” Trump justified his directive by claiming, “Because of other countries testing programs… That process will begin immediately.” International security circles were rocked by this declaration, which defied a long-standing U.S. policy.
Also Read: Bihar Elections 2025: Lalu’s Sons, Maithili Thakur, Anant Singh Among Big Names in Phase 1 Showdown
Why Is This Such a Significant Shift?
The significance of these developments cannot be overstated. Moscow has not conducted a nuclear weapons test since before the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Similarly, the United States last tested in 1992. Other major powers like China and France last tested in 1996. Since then, aside from North Korea, no nation has carried out a test involving a nuclear explosion in the 21st century. A resumption of testing by either the U.S. or Russia would likely shatter this global norm.
What’s the Real Goal?
Is this a genuine preparation for detonating a nuclear weapon? Rather than a real explosion, some believe the goal is geopolitical signalling. Both nations seem engaged in a tense game of psychological pressure and deterrence by revealing these orders. Their moves are seen as efforts to display power and test each other’s resolve, either to strengthen home support or secure an edge in future diplomacy.
Also Read: Ishaq Dar’s “Cup of Tea” Remark Sparks New Rift Over Pakistan-Afghanistan Ties
A Return to Cold War Brinkmanship?
The back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow—a U.S. declaration followed by a prompt Russian reply—feels like a replay of Cold War rivalries. This quick escalation casts doubt on the future of arms control efforts. Agreements such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), though unofficially observed, have maintained peace for decades. Recent developments now risk dismantling that stability and reigniting global competition.
