Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill to withdraw Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), citing the need for parity with the United States. The move follows a similar stance taken by the US, which signed but did not ratify the treaty.
Russian Parliament’s Decision
Both houses of the Russian parliament voted last month to rescind Moscow’s ratification of the CTBT, a treaty adopted in 1996 that prohibits all nuclear explosions worldwide. However, the treaty has not been fully implemented. Aside from Russia and the US, it has yet to be ratified by China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran, and Egypt.
Concerns and Implications
There are concerns that Russia’s decision may signal a willingness to resume nuclear testing, which could serve as a deterrent to Western countries providing military support to Ukraine. Some Russian officials have expressed support for a resumption of nuclear tests.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Russia’s move, stating that it “represents a significant step in the wrong direction” and undermines international arms control efforts. He urged Russia to adhere to its statements that the withdrawal of ratification does not imply an immediate resumption of nuclear testing.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov clarified that Russia would continue to respect the CTBT and would only resume nuclear tests if the United States did so first. Putin has mentioned that experts have differing views on the necessity of nuclear tests but has not yet formed an opinion on the matter.
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