EU urges Russia to refrain from escalation after Putin's order on nuclear weapon tests

The European Union has called on Russia to refrain from actions that could lower the threshold for nuclear confrontation, following Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin's order to explore the possibility of resuming nuclear weapons testing.

Source: Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the European Commission on foreign affairs and security policy, as reported by European Pravda

Details: El Anouni said the EU views Russia's recent test of a nuclear-powered missile negatively, warning that it "could release radioactive materials during testing or operation".

Quote: "In a larger sense, Russia must refrain from steps that might negatively affect the threshold for use of nuclear weapons. Russia must abide by its international obligations and commitments, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."

Details: The spokesperson also stated that the European Union calls on Russia to stop issuing nuclear threats, and urged all nuclear-armed states "to avoid actions that could trigger a new arms race, as such behaviour undermines global stability and the hard-won progress on nuclear arms reductions since the end of the Cold War."

Background:

• In late October, US President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing.
• His statement came as Putin boasted of tests of the Burevestnik cruise missile with a nuclear power unit.
• On 5 November, Putin ordered preparations for potential nuclear tests.

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