On Wednesday, October 25, the Russia Parliament voted unanimously to back out of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Russia’s decision to withdraw from this global nuclear treaty is likely a show of defiance towards the United States.
The upper chamber voted 156-0 to revoke ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which Russia had been abiding by since 2000. This move is designed to mirror what the US did with the CTBT; they signed it in 1996 but never ratified it and therefore were never obligated to abide by it.
After this bill is signed by President Vladimir Putin, Russia will no longer be part of this agreement and are now free to choose whether or not they want to resume nuclear testing at any time.
Russia's parliament took the first step toward revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Here's why Russia is changing its position and what the move might mean https://t.co/6nCS63q08s pic.twitter.com/jWKRMAN1rk
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 17, 2023
The decision by Russia comes after recent reports that suggest that the US conducted a “subsurface chemical explosion” at a Nevada testing site, according to information released by the National Nuclear Security Administration on October 18th. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has called this test “undoubtedly a political signal” and warned that if the US begins nuclear tests, then Russia must respond accordingly as well.
Ryabkov also said that Moscow will not engage in any further nuclear talks with Washington until their policy toward Russia changes from hostile towards constructive dialogue.
President Putin has made it clear that he is prepared for whatever action needs to be taken if necessary. He has expressed his concerns about protecting Ukraine if such retaliatory measures become necessary, but remains ready for whatever outcome may come up as a result of Washington’s current course of action.
This unanimous vote displays just how serious Moscow takes these issues and shows their willingness to take decisive steps against any attempt by Washington DC to interfere or undermine its interests overseas.
