Vienna, 7 October 2023 (TDI): The Permanent Representative of Russia to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov announced that Russia intends to revoke ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
The Russian Envoy stated that the aim was to be on equal footing with the United States that signed the Treaty but didn’t ratify it.
He also stressed that the revocation of the Treaty does not mean that Russia intends to resume nuclear tests.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin at the Valdai International Discussion Club on October 5, stated that it was theoretically possible to de-ratify the CTBT since the US had signed but not ratified it.
President Putin also stated that revoking Russia’s ratification of CTBT would mirror Russia’s relations with the US.
After the Russian President’s warning of considering rescinding the ratification of the CTBT, the Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Volodin proclaimed that the Senior Russian legislators will consider evaluating revoking the ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty.
“It conforms with our national interests,” Volodin said. “And it will come as a quid pro quo response to the United States, which has still failed to ratify the treaty.” He added.
Vyacheslav Volodin also highlighted that at the next meeting of the State Duma Council which is scheduled for October 9, the Russian legislators will discuss the issue of withdrawing ratification of the CTBT.
In this scenario, Vyacheslav Volodin also stated, “The situation in the world has changed. Washington and Brussels have unleashed a war against our country. Today’s challenges require new solutions.”
He also called the successful testing of the Burevestnik missile and continuous work on the Sarmat missile important for ensuring the security of Russia.
The Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov on October 6, also further highlighted that Russia does not intend to carry out nuclear weapons tests if it moves ahead with de-ratification.
In further elaborating on President Putin’s statement of intent to de-ratify the CTBT, Dmitry Peskov stated that the President primarily meant the need to bring the de facto situation to a common denominator.
He added that Russia signed and ratified the nuclear test ban treaty a long time ago, but the Americans did not ratify it, and to bring it to a common denominator, the President allowed the possibility of revoking this ratification.
He further stressed that the revocation does not mean that Russia holds the intention to conduct nuclear tests.
Also read: Russia tests Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
The CTBT was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996 and centered on prohibiting any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion anywhere in the world.
The Treaty has been signed by 187 nations, and ratified by 178 states. The US along with China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Egypt, and Iran have not ratified CTBT yet.
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