Putin Revokes Russia's Ratification of Global Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Tensions rise as Putin revokes Russia's ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty from 1996, citing that Russia will not resume nuclear testing unless the US does, but Western experts warn it could possibly usher in a new era of big-power nuclear testing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law withdrawing Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The processing of the bill was sped up with unanimous support from Russia's parliament.
Putin's decision has heightened global tensions. Even though Russian diplomats claim that the country will not resume nuclear testing unless the US does, Western experts are concerned about the potential for big-power nuclear testing.
The CTBT, adopted in 1996, has not been fully implemented as other key nuclear powers like US, China, and India among others have also not ratified it. By withdrawing, Russia mirrors the stance of the U.S, which signed but never ratified the treaty.
Signs of increasing nuclear saber-rattling by Russia, including a military exercise simulating a nuclear strike, are seen by some as a strategy of deterrence amidst rising East-West confrontation, particularly over the Ukraine conflict.
The move leaves the New START treaty as the only significant nuclear weapons pact between the US and Russia. It also adds to the sense of menace fanned by Putin and other hard-line Kremlin officials who have invoked Russia's nuclear doctrine since the invasion of Ukraine.

CNA

PBS NewsHour

The Christian Science Monitor

United States Department of State

South China Morning Post