Kremlin affirms nuclear test ban, warns of parity response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday that neither Russia nor China is conducting nuclear tests, emphasizing Moscow’s adherence to the global moratorium. “But if another country does this, then we will be obliged to do so in order to maintain parity,” Peskov said, calling nuclear parity “one of the key elements of global security.”
His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s Oct. 31 directive ordering the Pentagon to “immediately” prepare for nuclear weapons tests “on an equal basis” with other nations. The US has not carried out a nuclear test since 1992.
Trump later told a news outlet that Russia and China were already testing, a claim both countries denied. Russian President Vladimir Putin subsequently instructed officials to gather information and draft proposals regarding possible nuclear tests, though Peskov clarified that this did not amount to an order to begin preparations.
He said Moscow first needs to determine whether such tests are necessary, adding that the decision must be “well-founded and carefully considered.”
Peskov also dismissed claims that Russia’s testing of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone constituted nuclear tests. “We’re talking about delivery systems, not nuclear explosions,” he said, calling such interpretations “superficial and incorrect.”
China also urged the US to maintain the moratorium, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning saying Beijing hopes Washington will “honor its commitments.”
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