(MENAFN) Russia confirmed that it had been informed in advance about the US test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Speaking to reporters after the launch, Peskov explained that the missile falls into a category of projectiles that must be declared before testing under international protocols. “We also notify [other nations] when conducting such launches,” he added.

On Russia’s own military posture, Peskov emphasized that Moscow is “not taking part in any arms race,” but has steadily developed its strategic weapons over the years based on a long-term vision. The official asserted that Russia currently possesses the “most modern nuclear triad in the world.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Air Force reported the successful test-firing of an unarmed Minuteman III from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The missile is capable of carrying a single nuclear warhead with an estimated yield exceeding 300 kilotons of TNT—roughly 20 times the power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

Last week, US President Donald Trump instructed the Department of War to begin preparations for nuclear testing, arguing that the US is the “only country that doesn’t test” while accusing Russia and China of conducting “secret” nuclear explosions—claims both Moscow and Beijing have denied.

During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov told President Vladimir Putin that Moscow “must respond to Washington’s steps” and “start preparing for full-scale nuclear tests immediately.” Putin, however, stressed that Russia remains committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, clarifying: “If the US or other states party to the relevant treaty conduct such tests, then Russia will also be required to take appropriate retaliatory measures.”

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