- Russian lawmaker Mikhail Sheremet called for conducting a simulated nuclear strike on mock Western landmarks, including a replica of the Pentagon.
- The statement followed President Vladimir Putin’s directive for agencies to assess potential nuclear test readiness while maintaining adherence to the test-ban treaty.
A member of Russia’s State Duma (a lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia) has called for the country to conduct a simulated nuclear strike on full-scale mock-ups of Western landmarks, including a replica of the Pentagon, in what he described as a demonstration intended to “cool” the West.
The remarks, carried by the Russian outlet NEWS.ru and attributed to Duma deputy Mikhail Sheremet, arrive as President Vladimir Putin publicly orders government agencies to prepare proposals regarding possible nuclear test readiness.
Sheremet said Russia has, in his view, spent too long attempting compromise with what he called a hostile West. “Russia has played the peacemaker for too long in its fruitless attempts to find compromise with an aggressive West,” he said. “It is long past time to construct mock versions of the Pentagon, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower and carry out a retaliatory nuclear strike demonstration against these targets.”
He argued that such a simulated strike would send a clear warning. As he put it, “This will be a signal our adversaries understand. It will cool and restrain their radiating fervor for many years.” His remarks did not reference any specific operational plans or schedules, and they appeared to be framed as political messaging rather than detailing an authorized military action.
The comments follow a recent Security Council meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin. During the session, Putin directed the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, civilian agencies, and intelligence services to prepare assessments on the “possibility of preparing for nuclear tests.” At the same time, Putin stated that Russia remains a party to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and does not intend to violate it. However, he added that Russia could respond if others resume testing.
The Russian government has also emphasized its continued development of new strategic systems. Recent state reporting has mentioned test activities involving the nuclear-powered SSC-X-9 “Skyfall” cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone, both described by Moscow as next-generation long-range deterrent systems.
Sheremet’s remarks fit into a pattern: Russian officials periodically escalate nuclear messaging to reinforce deterrence, energize domestic audiences, and apply psychological pressure abroad. But even rhetorical escalation carries risk. Strategic-stability experts warn that repeated references to nuclear use in high-level political discourse erode communication norms designed to prevent miscalculation.
Arms-control frameworks that once ensured predictability between the United States and Russia have weakened. Regular communication channels have been reduced, verification mechanisms have stalled, and political signaling has taken the place of structured negotiation.