Trump and Putin rattle their sabres

Each wants a bigger nuclear arsenal

UNITED States Presidentelect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have put world peace in doubt by each calling for their country to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.

The Federation of American Scientists estimates there are 15,375 nuclear warheads held by eight countries.

Russia has 7300, the US 6970, France 300, China 260, the UK 215, Pakistan 130, India 120 and Israel 80, though it refuses to give a number.

Mr Trump sparked fears of a new nuclear arms race with a tweet calling on the US to expand its nuclear arsenal.

In a single comment that will raise more questions about his temperament and foreign policy approach, he said the US must “greatly strengthen and expand” its arsenal until “the world comes to its senses regarding nukes”.

His comment led to fears he will reverse decades of work in which the US has reduced its arsenal, in parallel with Russia reducing its arsenal.

On Thursday, Mr Putin said Russia’s military could overpower any potential foe, but it should build up its nuclear capability.

Al Jazeera reported him saying bolstering the nuclear arsenal should be a chief objective for 2017.

“We need to strengthen the military potential of strategic nuclear forces, especially with missile complexes that can reliably penetrate any existing and prospective missile defence systems,” he said.

Associated Press said Mr Trump’s comment came a day after he met with several military procurement officers to discuss defence budgets. Reaction was quick. Anti-nuclear campaigners said the comments underscored how little he understood the danger of nuclear expansion.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament’s Kate Hudson said: “The US already has enough weapons to destroy everything there is several times over.

“He needs to understand this is the best way to start a nuclear war.” – INM