Russian defence minister urges Putin to prepare for full-scale nuclear tests "because of US"

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov has said that Russia needs to prepare for full-scale nuclear tests "in response to the actions of the United States".

Source: Belousov during a meeting between Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and members of Russia's Security Council, as quoted by Russian media

Details: Belousov claimed that the US is planning to deploy missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region that would take just 6-7 minutes to reach central Russia from Germany.

Belousov said that Moscow must maintain its nuclear potential and respond appropriately to Washington's moves. He added that a possible US withdrawal from the moratorium on nuclear testing could be a step towards the destruction of the global strategic stability system.

Putin has instructed Russia's Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, intelligence agencies and relevant civilian departments to prepare proposals on the feasibility of starting work to prepare for nuclear tests.

Meanwhile, Putin insisted that "Russia has always strictly adhered and continues to adhere to its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and we have no plans to withdraw from these commitments."

Background:

• At the end of October, US President Donald Trump said he had instructed the Pentagon to "immediately begin testing US nuclear weapons".
• US Vice President JD Vance said Trump's statement on the potential resumption of nuclear testing was due to the need to make sure the US nuclear arsenal actually functions properly.
• Trump's announcement – framed as a warning to Russia – divided Congress: Republicans welcomed the decision, while Democrats warned it was a dangerous act of retaliation.
• Trump's comments on nuclear testing came as Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin boasted about Russia having tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile.
• Trump said the US has "enough nuclear weapons to blow up the world 150 times" and he doesn't want to be "the only country that doesn't test".

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