Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow always follows the obligations assumed by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
"I would like to emphasize that Russia has always and is still keeping its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We do not have any plans to abandon those obligations," he said during a consultation with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council.
According to Putin, the main topic of the discussion was the reaction to be given to the nuclear exercises of the USA and to the announcement of the US President Donald Trump on the resumption of nuclear tests. He noted that the Security Council of Russia has analyzed the statements made in American government circles and their possible consequences.
Putin also emphasized: "If the countries participating in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty decide to carry out such tests, Moscow will have to take appropriate countermeasures." At the same time, he emphasized that Russia does not plan to withdraw from that agreement.
The president instructed the relevant departments to undertake additional studies and submit recommendations on possible steps.
"I instruct the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, special services and relevant civilian structures to take all necessary steps to collect additional information on this issue, analyze it at the Security Council platform and submit agreed recommendations on the possible start of preparations for nuclear weapons tests. Let's get out of it. I am waiting for your report," Putin said.
The consultation was scheduled to be held on transport security and the results of the Russian government delegation's visit to China, but State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin asked to address another topic in an emergency manner. He drew attention to the statements of US President Donald Trump about the intention to resume nuclear tests and noted that the Russian deputies are seriously concerned about the current situation.
Putin assessed the issue as "serious" and offered to give an opinion to the main representatives of the country's security system.
In particular, Minister of Defense Andrey Belousov noted that Washington continues to actively expand its strategic offensive arsenal.
According to him, under such conditions, Russia must maintain the combat capability of its nuclear potential and be able to react adequately if necessary.
"Given these circumstances, I consider it expedient to immediately start preparations for full-scale nuclear tests," said Belousov.
