Russia–US Nuclear Tensions and Diplomatic Strain: Key Takeaways from Sergey Lavrov’s Interview

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a detailed interview with Russian media, addressed rising global concerns over nuclear testing, US–Russia relations, and intensifying geopolitical tensions.

🔹 No, Russia Has NOT Announced Any Nuclear Test

Lavrov dismissed reports claiming that Russia and the US “simultaneously” announced nuclear tests, calling them false.

• Russia has not announced any nuclear test.
• President Vladimir Putin has issued no directive for such preparations.
• Moscow is seeking clarification from Washington after Donald Trump claimed that Russia and China resumed nuclear testing — a claim Russia rejects.

Lavrov said that if the US conducts a full-scale nuclear test, Russia will respond with a “mirror action,” as President Putin already stated in 2023.

🔹 “Dangerous and Geopolitically Driven” US Statements

Lavrov criticised uncertainty within the new US administration:

• Key Pentagon roles remain unfilled
• Statements from US nominee Robert Kadlec suggest U.S. nuclear testing, if done, would be geopolitically motivated, not technically necessary

Lavrov called this approach “dangerous and destabilising.”

🔹 Media Reports on Lavrov–Rubio Tensions “Inaccurate”

Western claims of a conflict between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were dismissed:

• Lavrov termed the reports “unprofessional.”
• A Financial Times report that a harsh Russian memo disrupted diplomacy was false.
• The memo was an informal reminder of older agreements
• And it was sent before, not after, the Putin–Trump call.

🔹 Moscow Still Open to a Russia–US Summit in Budapest

Lavrov confirmed:

• Both sides earlier agreed Budapest would be the summit venue
• Russia is prepared
• But Washington has paused further steps, creating uncertainty

🔹 Nuclear Arms Control: US Still Silent on New START Extension

Lavrov said the US has still not responded to President Putin’s offer:

• Extend the current nuclear limits for one year
• No negotiation needed — a simple declaration would be enough

🔹 Latin America: “No Request from Venezuela for Russian Troops”

Lavrov clarified:

• Venezuela has not requested Russian military deployment
• Russia’s partnership with Belarus is strategic
• But it is not comparable to cooperation with Venezuela

🔹 Ukraine: Lasting Peace Requires Addressing Root Causes

Lavrov repeated Russia’s long-standing demands:

• Address what he calls neo-Nazism
• Reduce NATO’s growing presence
• Ensure demilitarisation
• Provide guarantees for Russian-speaking populations
• Protect the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

He noted peace requires resolving these foundational issues.

🔹 “Russia Is Ready for Dialogue — If the US Is Serious”

Lavrov ended by saying:

• Moscow is open to talks
• On nuclear stability
• On a future summit
• On global strategic security

But “only if Washington provides clarity and seriousness.”