US President Donald Trump's announcement to resume nuclear testing may be an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations with Russia, China, and other countries, according to the Financial Times (FT).

The newspaper notes that this statement sparked a wave of speculation around the world. However, the Trump administration has yet to issue a statement regarding the rationale for this move.

Daryl Kimball, head of the US Arms Control Association, told the newspaper that the resumption of nuclear testing could pave the way for a chain reaction of similar actions by other countries.

Trump on plans for underground nuclear tests: You will find out everything very soon

Former NATO Deputy Secretary General and former US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller expressed the opinion that Trump made this decision because he was irritated by Russia's statements regarding the Burevestnik missile tests. She noted that the American leader could intensify smaller-scale experiments with nuclear materials in special containers instead of large-scale underground explosions.

On October 30, Trump wrote on the social media platform TruthSocial that he had instructed the Pentagon to begin nuclear weapons testing on an equal footing with other countries. He later clarified to reporters that he believed everyone was conducting such tests, emphasizing that the United States possesses the largest nuclear arsenal but hasn't conducted any tests for many years.

The Washington Post wrote on October 31 that the resumption of US nuclear testing could take years and cost the country millions of dollars.

According to the newspaper, Trump's announcement of the resumption of nuclear testing is a step that could lift the global taboo on this practice. The newspaper writes that the American leader's words have caused confusion and alarm among some experts. They argue that physical testing is outdated and will fuel armed conflict.