World on the brink as Trump orders nuclear weapons tests 'immediately'

Donald Trump is getting tough with Putin (Image: Getty)

Donald Trump has ordered his military chiefs to resume the testing of nuclear weapons after a hiatus of over 30 years in response to Russian and Chinese provocations. Vladimir Putin, in particular, has ratcheted up the nuclear rhetoric in recent months, with Kremlin propagandists regularly threatening to unleash atomic armageddon.

In the latest episode of World War 3 fear-mongering, the Russian President gleefully announced to the world on Sunday that his military had carried out a successful test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, nicknamed Skyfall by NATO. The nuclear-capable weapon can pierce any defence shield and has "unlimited range", according to the Kremlin. The test came hot on the heels of a series of Russian nuclear drills overseen by the Kremlin tyrant last week.

Vladimir Putin has been rattling his nuclear sabre once again. (Image: Getty)

The Kremlin's nuclear showboating is seen as its response to Trump's new sanctions on Russian oil companies and its determination not to "bow" to US pressure.

The White House is trying to force the Russian President to come to the negotiating table and make serious concessions to secure a peace deal in Ukraine.

Trump turned the tables on his Russian nemesis, as he hit back at the Kremlin's nuclear blackmail during a visit to Asia.

"The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country," he said.

"This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!"

He added about the arms race: "Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years."

Trump then delivered his bombshell message, as he revealed the US would resume testing its nuclear weapons after a pause of more than 30 years

"Because of other countries' testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis," he declared. "That process will begin immediately."

According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has roughly doubled its nuclear arsenal in the past five years and is expected to exceed 1,000 weapons by 2030.

The US's own nuclear stockpile sits at around 5,225 warheads, while Russia has approximately 5,580, the Arms Control Association reported.