Russia Will Only Resume Nuclear Tests If the U.S. Does, Says Deputy FM
Russia will refrain from conducting nuclear tests as long as the United States maintains the same stance, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, as reported by local media.
Ryabkov emphasized that while Russia has the capability to conduct nuclear tests, it will hold off on doing so as long as Washington also abstains, echoing statements made by the Russian president. He pointed out that recent media reports indicate that the infrastructure at the Novaya Zemlya test site is fully prepared for testing.
“This was also a response to Washington’s actions, which have focused on enhancing their own infrastructure in this area over the past few years,” Ryabkov stated.
Andrei Sinitsyn, head of the nuclear testing facility at Novaya Zemlya, confirmed in a recent interview that the site is ready for full-scale testing and could resume operations at any moment if ordered.
In November 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law withdrawing Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The CTBT, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, bans all nuclear explosion tests for both peaceful and military purposes. It has been signed by 187 nations and ratified by 178 as of September 2024.
