Belousov stated that Russia needs to immediately begin preparation for nuclear tests

Moscow, November 5. Defense Minister of Russia, Andrey Belousov, stated that due to the US plans, Russia should start immediate preparation for nuclear tests, suggesting the use of the test site on Novaya Zemlya. Belousov mentioned, ‘Considering the above, I believe it is expedient to begin preparation for full-scale nuclear testing immediately. The readiness of the facilities at Central Test Site in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago allows for conducting tests in a compressed timeframe,’ during a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council of Russia, chaired by President Vladimir Putin. At the beginning of the meeting, Speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin expressed concerns about US President Donald Trump’s recent statement on the resumption of nuclear weapon tests by the United States. ‘Because it is understandable where the world can be led,’ said Volodin. He reminded of the statement made by the President of Russia regarding the right to conduct similar tests if the US resumed them.