Russia rejects US claim of violation of nuke test ban

MOSCOW — The Russian Foreign Ministry has angrily rejected a U.S. claim of Moscow’s possible violation of a global nuclear test ban.

Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, the director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, said Wednesday that Russia “probably” is not adhering to a pact banning nuclear weapons testing. Speaking at the Hudson Institute, Ashley said Russia’s nuclear activities would help it improve its weapons capabilities.

RELATED

Russia attempts to dispel US claim that new missile violates nuclear arms pact

The Russian military on Wednesday rolled out a new missile and released its specifications, seeking to dispel the U.S. claim that the weapon violates a key nuclear arms pact.

Russia's Foreign Ministry dismissed Ashley's assertion as a "crude provocation." It emphasized that Russia ratified the ban in 2000 and has "strictly adhered to its letter and spirit."

The ministry said Ashley’s “absolutely unfounded” claim could reflect an attempt to divert attention from Washington’s staunch refusal to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and may herald a U.S. intention to resume nuclear weapons tests.

In Other News

VA to resume new electronic health record rollout in mid-2026

The project was scheduled to take 10 years and cost $16 billion. Nearly eight years later, only six of VA’s 170-plus medical sites are using the software.

Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus

The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.

Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans

Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.

Live in the Tricare West Region? Do this before Dec. 31.

Beneficiaries in the West Region who don't provide recurring payment information could risk losing Tricare coverage.

Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025

Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.

Load More