Russia not to carry out nuclear tests if United States acts likewise - Shoigu

MOSCOW. Oct 31 (Interfax) - Russia will not carry out nuclear tests if the United States acts likewise, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said.

"I do not see anything new here, this is an appropriate response. If they do not do it, we will not do it either," Shoigu told the press on Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the United States that if it carries out nuclear tests, Russia will do the same, he said.

Shoigu noted that nuclear weapons are tested regularly, yet mathematical models are used instead of physical trials.

"For starters, not a single state has stopped the tests for a single day, for a single hour. However, they are conducted by computation equipment, there are no physical trials, and mathematical models are used instead," Shoigu told the press.

"Such trials are conducted because the whole thing requires constant attention and constant improvement," he said.

Russian ranges are ready, they can be used whenever necessary, Shoigu said.

"Of course, we have always kept our ranges ready, so that they stay in serviceable condition and can be used whenever necessary. Naturally, this is the universally known Novaya Zemlya range," Shoigu told the press.

Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday, "Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately."

Trump said later that the resumption of nuclear testing by the United States after a 30-year moratorium is appropriate because such testing are being conducted by other countries.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Russia will act according to the situation if anyone breaches the nuclear test moratorium.

"Let me remind you of what President Putin has said on multiple occasions: of course, Russia will act according to the situation if anyone deviates from the moratorium," Peskov said.