Against the backdrop of the growing standoff between Moscow and Washington, the issue of resuming nuclear tests is becoming increasingly urgent. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS in an interview that the topic is being discussed in the context of response measures to the US escalation course.

"This question is and, without anticipating events, I will say that the situation remains difficult. It is considered in the full complex of all its aspects", Ryabkov said, adding that any decision will be made taking into account the current geopolitical situation.

In turn, the US also allows for the possibility of conducting nuclear tests if Russia is found to be doing similar things. Such a scenario raises the risk of a new round of arms race that could return the world to the tense situation of the Cold War.

Experts note that the aggravation of the situation is connected with the growing mistrust between the two largest nuclear powers. Russia regards the actions of the United States, including the modernization of its nuclear arsenal and withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, as a direct threat to its security. Against this background, the discussion of the resumption of nuclear tests is becoming an instrument of pressure and a demonstration of readiness for a tough response.