Kremlin Walks Back 'Nuclear Test' Claims As Trump Orders US Atomic Weapons Testing

President Donald Trump announced the United States will resume nuclear weapons testing after decades. This decision appears to be a response to recent Russian military advancements. Russia reportedly tested a nuclear-capable cruise missile called Burevestnik and a nuclear-powered underwater drone named Poseidon. Trump stated that the US would perform tests on an equal basis due to the testing programs of other countries. The US military has not detonated nuclear weapons since 1992. Russia, however, claims its recent tests did not involve detonating atomic warheads but rather nuclear propulsion systems. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that these tests do not violate international treaties. He clarified that the Burevestnik missile test was not a nuclear test. Russia maintains its moratorium on nuclear testing. Trump's directive to the Pentagon to resume testing has raised concerns about potential escalation. Resuming nuclear warhead detonations would signal a dangerous step not seen since the Cold War. The wording of Trump's statement leaves ambiguity about the exact nature of the planned US tests.