Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Lavrov says Moscow has not conducted nuclear tests


(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov clarified on Tuesday that Russia has not conducted nuclear tests.

Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States should follow Russian and Chinese practices, Lavrov labeled it a “misunderstanding” and said Moscow has sought clarification from Washington.

“What US President Donald Trump said about allegedly resumed tests in Russia and China does not reflect reality if we're discussing nuclear weapon testing,” Lavrov said during a press briefing in Moscow.

He emphasized that recent Russian trials involving the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone do not violate the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, as these systems are powered by nuclear energy but do not produce nuclear detonations.

“Other forms of testing -- including both ‘subcritical’ experiments lacking a chain nuclear reaction and delivery system tests -- were never prohibited. We're working to clear up this matter,” Lavrov added.

Addressing media reports of a supposed conflict with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he said, “There are many lies here.” He also expressed concern over comments from Robert Kadlec, a nominee for US deputy defense secretary, regarding potential deployment of nuclear arms in regional disputes.

On the topic of Ukraine, Lavrov questioned former US special envoy Kurt Volker’s assertion that Russia would reject any peace agreement. “It remains unclear what basis he used for making such assertions since it's our side actively pursuing a peaceful resolution,” he stressed.

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