(MENAFN) The Kremlin confirmed that the United States had informed Russia in advance about its test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that such missiles fall under international regulations requiring prior notification.

“We also notify [other nations] when conducting such launches,” Peskov said, addressing the protocol surrounding strategic weapons tests.

Regarding Russia’s own arsenal, Peskov emphasized that Moscow is “not taking part in any arms race,” but has consistently developed its strategic capabilities over the years according to its long-term plans. He added that Russia possesses the “most modern nuclear triad in the world.”

Earlier, the US Air Force successfully test-fired an unarmed Minuteman III missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The missile can carry a single nuclear warhead with a yield estimated at over 300 kilotons of TNT – roughly 20 times the explosive 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, asserting that the US is “the only country that doesn’t test” and alleging that Russia and China had conducted “secret” nuclear explosions, claims denied by both Moscow and Beijing.

On Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov told President Vladimir Putin that Moscow “must respond to Washington’s steps,” urging the country to “start preparing for full-scale nuclear tests immediately.” Putin, however, stressed that Russia remains committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

“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,” Putin clarified.

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