Putin orders proposals on resuming nuclear tests in response to Trump

Vladimir Putin ordered his top officials on Wednesday to prepare for resumed nuclear testing, a direct response to President Donald Trump's likewise action.

Russia's Vladimir Putin ordered top officials on Wednesday to submit plans for the possible resumption of nuclear testing, a direct response to President Donald Trump's surprise instruction for the United States to begin testing for the first time in more than 30 years.

In a televised meeting with his Security Council in Moscow, Putin said that he had warned the U.S. and others that if they "conduct such tests, Russia would also be required to take appropriate retaliatory measures."

He told the foreign and defense ministries "to do everything possible to gather additional information on this matter, analyze it in the Security Council, and submit coordinated proposals on the possible commencement of preparations for nuclear weapons testing.”

Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting Wednesday.Gavriil Grigorov / Pool via AFP - Getty ImagesSeveral of Putin's top officials backed the need for resumed tests.

“We must respond appropriately to Washington’s actions” Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said, urging his government “to begin preparations for full-scale nuclear testing immediately.”