Russia announces withdrawal from Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Reuters reported this statement, citing Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

On October 17, a Russian government official explained that the Kremlin's decision is a response to what they view as the United States' negligent approach to global security.

"In the interest of safeguarding our nation's security, we are retracting our ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty," Volodin stated before the parliamentary vote.

Russian officials stress that this withdrawal does not imply an intention to conduct nuclear tests. Nonetheless, experts in arms control are concerned about the potential for Russia to resume nuclear testing.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: What we know about Russia's withdrawal

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted on September 10, 1996, through a UN General Assembly resolution, and countries were given the opportunity to sign it from September 24, 1996. The treaty's primary aim is to ban all forms of nuclear testing—on the ground, underground, in the atmosphere, and underwater.

CTBT member states have made legal commitments not to conduct nuclear explosions and not to support or participate in any way in such tests. Since this treaty has no expiration date, the prohibition remains in effect indefinitely.

In August, the European Union condemned Russia's threats of using nuclear weapons during its conflict with Ukraine and stressed Moscow's adherence to international commitments, including an agreement with China.

Images from a Russian Arctic base suggest that Russia might be preparing to test an experimental intercontinental ballistic missile.

Moreover, on October 6, the Russian Federation announced that the ratification withdrawal from the UN Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty would be deliberated at an upcoming State Duma Council meeting.

The United States expresses "concern" about the Russian diplomat's announcement regarding the withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The U.S. State Department characterizes Russia's actions as a "global standard threat."

A report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) claimed that the Russian government is moving forward with the withdrawal of its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

In addition, on October 17, Andrey Gurulyov, a Russian State Duma deputy from the "United Russia" party, encouraged Russians to prepare for a possible nuclear conflict.