MOSCOW - Moscow would be forced to take action in response to nuclear tests conducted by other countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"Back in my 2023 address to both houses of parliament, I noted that if the United States or other state parties to the relevant treaty carried out such tests, Russia would accordingly have to take proportionate responsive measures," Putin said at a Russian Security Council meeting.
He instructed Russia's Foreign and Defense Ministries and other relevant departments to submit proposals on the possibility of preparing for nuclear weapons tests.
Putin added that Russia has always strictly abided by its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and will continue to do so until other countries begin conducting nuclear tests.
Previously, US President Donald Trump ordered the resumption of nuclear weapons tests, claiming that other countries appeared to be conducting similar tests.
On Tuesday, Putin said Russia's new nuclear-powered facilities will be vital to national security and strategic balance for decades.
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"The Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle hold historic significance for our people for at least the next few decades," Putin said.
The recent tests of the Burevestnik missile showed its range surpasses all known missile systems, with the capability to hit targets at a pre-calculated time with high accuracy, said the Russian president.
"The missile's compact, high-output nuclear reactor features a unique operating model," Putin further said, explaining that its start-up "is measured in seconds," unlike conventional reactors that take hours or days.
"Work has already begun on a new generation of nuclear-powered cruise missiles. Future models are expected to fly at speeds more than three times the speed of sound and may eventually reach hypersonic speeds," Putin added.
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"Poseidon incorporates advanced materials, components, and assemblies designed for undersea operations, enabling high speeds and diving depths of up to 1,000 meters," Putin said, noting that its speed is many times faster than that of all modern surface vessels.
Putin also said that the new small-sized and high-output nuclear technology used in Russia's defense facilities holds great potential for civilian use.
The related technology can be applied in areas including small nuclear energy, the development of power facilities in the Arctic zone, and the exploration of both near and far space, including the power supply for the space cargo ship currently under development and for a future lunar station, he said while presenting state honors to the developers at the Kremlin.
The small size and light weight of these nuclear installations, along with their safety and reliability, enable flexible use in creating energy sources for mineral extraction in hard-to-reach areas, including the Arctic shelf, for providing light and heat to remote territories and settlements, and for boosting the efficiency of underwater expeditions exploring the world's oceans, Putin said.
"A huge foundation for the future has been laid, and we will definitely move forward," he added. "Russia does not threaten anyone. Like all other nuclear powers, Russia is developing its nuclear and strategic potential."
