‘If Other Nuclear Powers Test, Why Shouldn’t Russia?’ Says Putin

Putin said Russia will carry out nuclear test of other countries: Russian President Vladimir Putin recently made a significant statement regarding nuclear power and global security. On Thursday, he said that Russia would only conduct a nuclear test if another nuclear power takes such a step. Putin also claimed that Russia has seen signs that "some countries" are preparing to conduct such tests.

Comments on the US and NATO

At the forum of the Valdai Discussion Group in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin also responded to US President Donald Trump's comment calling Russia a "paper tiger." Putin suggested that NATO could actually be such and warned that if the US were to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, it would lead to a dangerous new escalation.

Confidence in the Nuclear Shield

Putin stated that Russia has full confidence in its nuclear shield. Referring to the New START nuclear arms control agreement, he said that if the US wanted to expand it, it could. Under this treaty, both countries are allowed to have a maximum of 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. Putin said, "We are confident in our nuclear power, no matter what the US decides."

Warning to France

Putin condemned France's detention of the Russian-linked oil tanker "Boracay," calling it piracy. He said Russia would respond strongly. The ship is on the EU blacklist and has been linked to Russia's sanctions-breaking Shadow Fleet.

Putin also said that in recent weeks, increased drone activities and airspace violations in Europe have been charged to Russia. He emphasized that these incidents are already provoking the stressful atmosphere, which is already at its peak due to the Ukraine War.