Russian embassy in Pakistan defends weapons tests

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Pakistan has asserted that all recent tests of Russia’s advanced weapons systems — including the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle — were conducted in full compliance with Russia’s international obligations.

The statement comes amid growing international debate over Russia’s nuclear-capable weapons testing activities and their potential implications for global arms control frameworks.

“The tests did not violate the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty [signed by the United States and Russia on April 8, 2010], as the Burevestnik and Poseidon systems do not fall under the treaty’s scope,” Igor Kolesnikov, spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, told The News on Saturday.

He emphasized that the tests were a response to the United States’ ongoing development of a global missile defense system, which Moscow believes undermines the strategic balance between offensive and defensive weapons.

Mr. Kolesnikov clarified that although both systems are capable of carrying nuclear payloads, no nuclear detonations took place during the tests. “They can’t be considered nuclear tests,” he stated.

The spokesperson further noted that the Russian Federation has not conducted any nuclear tests since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, underscoring Moscow’s adherence to its long-standing international commitments.