The Russian test site on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago is fully ready to resume nuclear testing. This was stated by the former head of the 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Colonel-General Vladimir Verkhovtsev.
According to him, the test site has been maintained in full readiness for several years.
If officials make a decision, we can start testing as soon as possible — it's not about a week, but it's not about a month either. It all depends on the political decision.
Verkhovtsev noted that Russia is closely monitoring possible US activity. He called the statements of American leader Donald Trump about the nuclear superiority of the States incorrect.
Russia was the first in this area and remains the first. We are at least not inferior to the Americans, and in some ways we surpass them.
In the period from 1949 to 1990, the USSR conducted 715 nuclear tests, creating the basis of the country's strategic nuclear shield. The last underground explosion on Novaya Zemlya occurred on October 24, 1990.
Earlier www1.ru reported that the latest Sarmat intercontinental missiles will go on combat duty in 2026.