site.btaEuropean Commission Views Announcements of Russian, US Nuclear Testing Differently

A spokesperson for the European Commission Thursday called for a differentiated view of announcements of nuclear testing by Russia and the United States, adding that these matters should not be "put in the same basket".

Commenting on reports on Russian nuclear-powered missile testing, Anitta Hipper, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: "This is obviously not a step in the right direction. This shows that instead of choosing peace, Russia is deepening tensions through its actions and words. Russia is a threat to European security."

Asked about US President Donald Trump's order that the US military immediately resume testing nuclear weapons, the spokesperson referred reporters to the relevant authorities in Washington. "We have not seen the United States conduct any explosive tests of nuclear weapons in decades," she said. "We always call on all parties to the treaties to abide by their international commitments and obligations, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. But again, in this particular case, we are speaking about Russia - and our expectations are low."