Russian tests of a nuclear-powered missile and torpedo are not considered nuclear weapons tests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, quoted by “Reuters“, reports News.bg.
According to him, these tests do not fall under the restrictions imposed by international treaties on nuclear tests.
This clarification comes after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would resume nuclear weapons tests.
Peskov stressed that Moscow would monitor for possible violations of the international moratorium on nuclear tests and recalled that President Vladimir Putin had warned that if any country conducted a nuclear weapons test, Russia would also did.
Earlier today, Trump ordered the US military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing after a 33-year hiatus, citing "other countries' testing programs," without specifically naming Russia.
Last week, Moscow held nuclear exercises and tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile and a nuclear-powered torpedo, but has not yet tested a nuclear warhead.
According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has about 5,459 warheads, while the US has about 5,177, including deployed, stored and decommissioned warheads.