Russia maintains its post-Soviet moratorium on full-scale nuclear explosive tests while signaling readiness at the Novaya Zemlya test site, where the facility head stated in early October 2026 that operations could resume “at any moment” if ordered. Moscow’s position ties directly to U.S. policy, with President Putin directing feasibility proposals in November 2025 after U.S. statements on resuming testing, and Russian officials reiterating reciprocal measures under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty framework. Recent activity includes October 2026 emergency-response drills simulating reactor accidents near upgraded command facilities, alongside non-explosive tests of systems such as Burevestnik and Poseidon. These developments, combined with ongoing tensions over Ukraine and NATO, shape trader assessments of the timing and likelihood of any break in the testing moratorium.