On Monday, December 22, 2025, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that Russia will respond in kind if the United States resumes nuclear testing ⚛️. His statement ramps up the tension between the two superpowers, as the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) has now expired.
Ryabkov pointed out that, despite Russia’s proposal for both sides to keep observing the core limits of New START after its expiration, the U.S. has been silent. "We extended an olive branch to maintain stability," he said, "but so far, no answer from Washington."
Back in late September, President Vladimir Putin told the Security Council that Russia would continue to honor New START limits for a year after its end—provided the U.S. doesn’t take steps to upset the balance. With the treaty originally signed in 2010 and extended for five years in February 2021, it remains the only active nuclear arms control agreement between the two.
Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that the U.S. might conduct nuclear weapons tests like other nations, without confirming if these would involve live warhead detonations. That comment sparked a global debate over a potential arms race revival 🌍.
Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to President Putin, shared at a daily briefing that Russia is closely analyzing comments from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Trump’s nuclear safety verification plans. Peskov stressed that if the U.S. does go ahead with tests, "Russia will have no choice but to take corresponding actions."
Here’s what to know:
- New START treaty expired, but limits still shape policy.
- Russia ready to react if the U.S. conducts nuclear tests.
- Global security hinges on the next moves.
All eyes are on Washington’s next move 🤔. The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomacy or deterrence wins out in this high-stakes showdown.
Reference(s):
Russia to respond in kind if U.S. conducts nuclear tests: deputy FM
cgtn.com
