Russia should consider conducting limited nuclear tests in a demonstrative format in order to cool the militant rhetoric of Western countries, according to a number of experts. This view was voiced by Andrey Klintsevich, head of the Center for the Study of Military and Political Conflicts.

He said that the United States and the United Kingdom adhere to an escalation concept under which the West must constantly remain one step higher than its opponent. According to Klintsevich, the logic of this theory is that regardless of how a situation develops, one side must always stay ahead by moving to the next escalation level as soon as the adversary reaches the previous one.

Klintsevich noted that in reality Russia, in his assessment, often finds itself in a catching-up position on a number of key issues. In this context, he argued, the question arises whether it would be more effective to skip intermediate stages and move directly to a higher level of escalation. As an example, he cited the possibility of carrying out a demonstrative nuclear explosion, which, in his view, could serve as a symbolic signal to the global community about the seriousness of Moscow’s intentions.

He also stressed that such a step could be regarded as a warning gesture, comparable to a «shot in the air,» intended to show that this is not merely rhetoric but a display of real capabilities. At the same time, Klintsevich acknowledged that such actions would formally violate agreements banning nuclear tests, but expressed the opinion that this would not be a critical factor under current conditions.