RUSSIA WARNS OF RETALIATION IF U.S. RESUMES NUCLEAR TESTING

Russia has issued a stern warning that it will respond if the United States decides to restart nuclear weapons testing, escalating concerns over global arms stability.

According to a report by Sky News on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, revealed that Washington has yet to reply to Moscow’s proposals regarding the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).

The treaty, signed to restrict the number and deployment of nuclear weapons by both nations, remains one of the last major nuclear arms control frameworks between the world’s two biggest nuclear powers.

The New START agreement is set to expire on 5 February 2026, raising doubts about the future of nuclear regulation. Speaking to Interfax, Gerasimov stated that any decision by the United States to resume nuclear tests would be met with a direct Russian response.

“If these tests are resumed by the American side, appropriate countermeasures will follow,” he warned.

This development comes at a time when both countries are advancing their nuclear modernization programs. Analysts say the collapse of New START could trigger a new phase of arms competition, with significant consequences for global security.

As the treaty deadline draws near, international diplomatic circles are closely watching Washington and Moscow for signals on whether the agreement will be renewed, renegotiated, or allowed to expire.

Experts believe the next few weeks will be decisive in shaping the future of nuclear arms control and the strategic balance between Russia and the United States.