Russian nuclear test threats: Kremlin's alarming rhetoric
On Saturday, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov spoke concerningly. He mentioned that Russia conducting trial nuclear explosions "is an open question." In a propagandistic interview, he claimed that the Kremlin is considering this due to the "hostile policy of the USA."
Many pieces of information from Russian media or government officials are part of propaganda. Such reports are elements of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
Ryabkov said in a conversation with the pro-Kremlin agency TASS that the possible resumption by Russia of trial nuclear explosions "is an open question" and is "within reach."
“Without anticipating anything, I can simply say that the situation is quite difficult. It is constantly being considered in all its elements and aspects,” said the deputy minister.
Will Russia conduct a nuclear test? Putin said otherwise
Ryabkov's words contradict Vladimir Putin's declaration, who stated last year that Russia will not conduct a nuclear test as long as the United States does not do so.
Moscow's last nuclear test was in 1990, at the end of the USSR's existence. However, according to the Kremlin, the situation has changed significantly since then.
In mid-November, Putin approved a revised nuclear doctrine. According to the new regulations, a "critical threat" to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia and Belarus may justify the use of nuclear weapons. The changes in the doctrine are a reaction to American approval regarding the use of ATACMS systems by Ukraine.
Moreover, last year Putin decided to withdraw Russia from the nuclear test ban treaty.
Source: PAP/WP News
