The directive comes amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington following statements from U.S. leadership suggesting the United States may restart its own nuclear testing program.

During a high-level meeting with members of Russia’s Security Council in Moscow, Putin emphasized that Russia has consistently honored its commitments under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), an international agreement banning all nuclear explosions.

However, he stated that if any other nuclear-armed nation, particularly the United States, resumes testing, Russia will take corresponding action to ensure its strategic balance and national security remain uncompromised.

Putin directed key ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, as well as intelligence agencies and other relevant institutions, to gather intelligence, assess international developments, and present unified recommendations.

These recommendations will be reviewed by the Security Council to determine whether Russia should begin preparations for actual nuclear tests at its existing testing sites.

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov supported Putin’s position, asserting that given recent U.S. remarks and strategic moves, it would be “advisable to prepare for full-scale nuclear tests.”

He noted that Russia’s Arctic testing facility in Novaya Zemlya remains fully operational and capable of accommodating nuclear experiments on short notice, should a decision be made.

The announcement signals a potential turning point in global arms control and disarmament efforts. Russia has not conducted any nuclear tests since 1990, when the Soviet Union carried out its last detonation.

After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, Russia inherited the nuclear arsenal but maintained a moratorium on testing as part of its commitment to international stability and the CTBT framework.

If Russia resumes testing, it would mark the first such action by a major nuclear power in over three decades, potentially triggering a new era of global nuclear competition.

Such a move could also undermine long-standing treaties that have sought to limit nuclear weapons development and testing worldwide, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the CTBT, which, although not formally in force, has been widely observed by most nuclear-armed states.

Putin’s directive also underscores growing mistrust between Russia and the United States, especially amid broader geopolitical disputes and heightened military posturing.

Both countries continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals, and the breakdown of earlier arms control agreements, such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), has deepened global security concerns.

Experts warn that if either Russia or the U.S. restarts nuclear testing, it could prompt other nuclear-armed states, including China, India, and North Korea, to follow suit, further escalating an already fragile international security environment.

Such developments could erode decades of progress in nuclear arms control and non-proliferation efforts.

The Arctic test site at Novaya Zemlya, located in Russia’s far north, was historically used during the Soviet era for hundreds of nuclear explosions.

It remains one of the world’s most advanced and secure nuclear testing facilities, equipped with underground tunnels and monitoring systems designed to contain and analyze nuclear detonations.

Putin’s order reflects a strategic message aimed at demonstrating Russia’s readiness to respond proportionally to any perceived challenge to its deterrence capabilities.

By linking his decision directly to potential U.S. actions, he framed it as a defensive measure rather than an act of aggression.

The global community is expected to watch closely as Russia’s ministries prepare their proposals.

Any movement toward nuclear testing would not only heighten geopolitical tensions but also raise environmental and humanitarian concerns associated with radioactive contamination and long-term ecological damage.

In a statement released on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova noted that Russia was monitoring developments related to U.S. operations against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that all international efforts aimed at addressing security challenges are conducted in accordance with global norms and mutual respect among states.

“We encourage all parties to act within the framework of international law and maintain transparency and cooperation in addressing regional concerns,” Zakharova said in her remarks published on the ministry’s website.

The comments come as the United States continues its campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, aimed at countering illegal drug trade networks. The initiative includes maritime patrols, air surveillance and joint enforcement actions with partner nations.

According to reports, the U.S. presence in the region has expanded in recent months with increased deployment of naval and air assets. American officials have said the operations are part of a broader strategy to strengthen maritime security and protect regional waters from organized crime.

Russian officials, however, have expressed concern about the scale of the military presence and urged for balanced measures that contribute to long-term regional stability. Zakharova noted that Russia supports international cooperation against illicit trafficking but believes such initiatives should align with the principles of proportionality and non-interference.

“Russia values dialogue and partnership in addressing transnational threats,” she said, adding that multilateral coordination through the United Nations and regional institutions is the most effective way to achieve sustainable solutions.

The Foreign Ministry also reiterated Russia’s ongoing collaboration with Venezuela within the framework of existing bilateral agreements. Both countries have maintained regular exchanges on economic, energy and cultural initiatives. In May, President Vladimir Putin and President Nicolás Maduro met in Moscow to sign a strategic partnership plan aimed at deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, science, and technology.

Officials from both nations described the agreement as a continuation of their long-standing diplomatic relationship, focused on mutual respect and support for national sovereignty.

Analysts note that the statement from Moscow reflects Russia’s broader foreign policy approach, which emphasizes dialogue, non-intervention, and the importance of international law in maintaining global stability. Diplomatic experts said that while differing perspectives between major powers are expected, the emphasis on communication channels remains essential in avoiding misunderstandings and promoting peace.

Regional observers in Latin America have also called for continued cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that anti-narcotics initiatives contribute to safety and development rather than heightening geopolitical tensions. Several Caribbean governments have expressed interest in maintaining balanced partnerships with both Western and Eastern powers, focusing on joint efforts in maritime security, environmental protection and economic growth.

Russia’s reaffirmation of its position comes amid a complex global security environment, with multiple regional initiatives taking place across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Foreign Ministry underlined the need for collective responsibility in addressing transnational challenges, including organized crime, drug trafficking, and illegal maritime activities.

In closing, Zakharova stressed that Russia remains open to constructive dialogue with all nations, including the United States, to promote mutual understanding and coordination in tackling shared global threats. She said that Moscow continues to advocate for diplomacy and cooperation as the most effective means to maintain peace and stability.

“Russia supports all initiatives that aim to strengthen international security through dialogue and partnership,” Zakharova concluded. “It is through collaboration, not confrontation, that the global community can achieve lasting progress.”