Moscow to take action if other countries conduct nuclear tests: Putin

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.