Russia announces conditioning nuclear polygon New Zealand, in the Arctic, where the last Soviet atomic test was conducted in 1990, in response to the United States’ increasing nuclear infrastructure.
RIA Novosti agency reported that Sergei Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister, explained that this action was “reaction following in the footsteps of Washington, which has focused on improving infrastructure in the area in recent years.”
Likewise, Riabkov asserts that polygons “are Ready for the resumption of large-scale testing activities.” Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Andrei Sinitsin, head of the forces located in the Arctic archipelago, assured that the exercises could begin at any time if ordered.
The deputy minister also stated that Russia’s position on nuclear testing has not changed since President Vladimir Putin withdrew his ratification of the treaty. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in November 2023.
However, he warned that “we can do such tests, but we will not do it if the US also refrains from such steps,” he said.
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