Kremlin addresses US ICBM launch

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Dmitry Peskov has stated that Washington had informed Moscow ahead of the Minuteman III missile launch earlier on Wednesday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the US had given Russia advance notice of its intention to launch a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile before the rocket was test-fired on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters several hours later, Peskov explained that the missile in question belongs to a class of projectiles that necessitate “launch identification” under international regulations. “We also notify [other nations] when conducting such launches,” he added.

Regarding Russia’s military capabilities, Peskov stated that while Moscow is “not taking part in any arms race,” it has, in fact, systematically developed its strategic weapons for years, in line with its own long-term vision.

The official claimed that Russia currently possesses the “most modern nuclear triad in the world.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Air Force announced that it had successfully test-fired an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The rocket is capable of carrying a single nuclear warhead with an estimated atomic yield equivalent to over 300 kilotons of TNT — 20 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945.

Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered the Department of War to commence preparations for nuclear testing, asserting that the US is the “only country that doesn’t test.” He accused Russia and China of conducting “secret” nuclear explosions – an allegation both Moscow and Beijing have rejected.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov informed Vladimir Putin that Moscow “must respond to Washington’s steps,” and “start preparing for full-scale nuclear tests immediately.”

The Russian president noted, however, that Russia was determined to abide by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

”If the US or other states party to the relevant treaty conduct such tests, then Russia will also be required to take appropriate retaliatory measures,” Putin clarified.