The head of Russia's nuclear testing site has revealed that their top-secret facility is ready to conduct a nuclear test at a moment's notice. They're just waiting for orders from Moscow. Typically, such statements are not made publicly, making this a rare and alarming declaration that could cause global upheaval. Rear Admiral Andrei Sinesin shared this information in an interview with Russia's state newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Since 1990, Russia hasn't conducted any nuclear tests. However, Western and Russian defense experts believe that President Vladimir Putin could order a nuclear test at any time to send a message to Ukraine and its allies, as well as to safeguard Russia against long-range missile attacks. Meanwhile, particles of the radioactive element Cesium-137 have been found near the Norwegian border.
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Source: aajtak
The discovery of radioactive particles has intensified discussions about Russia's potential nuclear test. Whether the test will happen is still under debate in Moscow. If such a test occurs, it could prompt China and the U.S. to conduct their own tests, starting a new race among nuclear-capable countries. Neither Russia, China, nor the U.S. has conducted nuclear tests since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Where is Russia's Nuclear Test Site?
The Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, where no humans reside, has been Russia's main nuclear test site. The Soviet Union and Russia have conducted over 200 nuclear tests there. The world's largest nuclear test, conducted in 1961, was secretly captured by Western satellites.
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Putin has warned Western nations that any deployment of their long-range weapons in Ukraine would lead to direct conflict with Russia. Rear Admiral Andrei stated that the nuclear test site is fully equipped and ready for testing. The team awaits orders to proceed.
Source: aajtak
Nuclear Weapons Around the World
There are nine countries with nuclear weapons: the U.S., Russia, the U.K., France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Collectively, they possess 12,121 nuclear weapons, of which 9,585 are military-grade. Out of these, 3,904 are readily deployed on missiles and aircraft.
Which Countries Have How Many Nuclear Weapons?
Russia owns 4,380, the U.S. 3,708, China 500, France 290, the U.K. 225, India 172, Pakistan 170, Israel 90, and North Korea 50. Thus, India ranks as the sixth-largest nuclear-armed nation.
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Countries with Deployed Nuclear Weapons
Out of its 4,380 nuclear weapons, Russia has deployed 1,710 on missiles, fighter jets, and bombers. The U.S. has deployed 1,770 out of its 3,708 weapons. Surprisingly, France has almost all of its 290 weapons, 280 to be precise, on alert mode. The U.K. has deployed 120, and China has deployed 24.
Source: aajtak
Why Have Nuclear Weapons Increased?
The international treaties aimed at reducing nuclear weapons have weakened, largely due to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts. The U.S. and NATO countries back Ukraine and Israel, while China and other Islamic countries support Russia and Gaza, leading to a tense global atmosphere with constant talks of a third World War.
Impact of Increasing Nuclear Weapons
The Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars have led to a global arms race, jeopardizing international security. Over the past year, 50 regions around the world have witnessed conflicts. Armed struggles in Congo and Sudan have displaced millions. Myanmar has also seen violent conflict. Gang wars rage in Central and South America, affecting even Haiti. According to SIPRI director Dan Smith, we are currently going through one of the worst periods in history, which could lead to large-scale wars at any time.
