Kremlin denies again presidential directives for nuclear tests

MOSCOW, Nov 9 (KUNA) -- Kremlin has again denied that President Vladimir Putin has issued any directive to begin preparations for nuclear tests, affirming that the Russian Federation remains committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and has no intention of violating its international obligations.
In a statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow "does not currently see the necessity" to conduct such tests, and that any decision to do so would have to be "well justified and carefully considered".
Peskov also stated that Russia would only consider similar measures if another country - such as the United States - were to breach the CTBT and resume nuclear testing, which would oblige Russia to respond in order to maintain strategic parity.
Addressing recent reports, the spokesman clarified that recent Russian tests of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo do not constitute nuclear tests, as they involve propulsion systems powered by nuclear energy rather than nuclear explosions.
President Putin described remarks by US President Donald Trump on the possible resumption of nuclear testing as "dangerous," stressing that Russia has always remained committed to the CTBT and will not retreat from its international obligations.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996, bans all nuclear explosions for military or peaceful purposes. It has been signed by 187 countries but cannot enter into force until all 44 nuclear-capable states listed in Annex 2 ratify it.
Russia ratified the treaty but withdrew its ratification in 2023 in protest against what it described as Washington's "obstructive stance," while affirming readiness to reconsider the decision if the United States ratifies the treaty. (end) dan.seo