Russia Warns of Proportional Response if Nuclear Tests Resume

Russia has warned it will take proportional and appropriate action if the United States and other countries violate the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, responsible for affairs concerning the Americas and arms control, stated at an event hosted by the Russian think tank PIR Center on the 20th that Russia has strictly adhered to its declaration to suspend nuclear testing made in 1990.

Ryabkov noted the US's nuclear arms buildup exceeding New START limitations and its stated preparations to resume nuclear testing in violation of the CTBT, pointing out that this is extremely provocative and destructive to the non-proliferation regime, leading to increased consideration of nuclear capability acquisition by US allies that are not nuclear-weapon states.

Ryabkov reiterated claims that British and French leaders are considering secretly transferring nuclear weapon components to Ukraine, warning that this would lead to a wide range of negative consequences.