The USA responded as Russia revoked the ratification of the Global Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin signed a bill that revoked the Russian ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). This action draws multiple criticisms from several stakeholders. The most notable criticism came from the USA secretary of state and head of the CTBT.
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, prohibits any country from conducting any nuclear test or explosion. The treaty bans all kinds of nuclear explosions, whether they are for peaceful or military purposes.
According to the details, Russia was preparing to revoke this ratification for a long time. Last month, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s diplomat to CTBP, announced this withdrawal from ratification on his X handle.
The USA is not happy
President Putin signed this law on Thursday. While responding to the suspected intentional nuclear test by Russia as a result of this law, the Russian officials said that there are no plans as of now. The officials stated that this move has been made to mirror the USA, which has signed the treaty but never ratified it. China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran, and Egypt still need to confirm the treaty.
American Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken condemned this law, as posted on the US Department of State’s official website. He said, “We are deeply concerned by Russia’s planned action to withdraw its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Unfortunately, it represents a significant step in the wrong direction, taking us further from, not closer to, entry into force. Russia’s action will only serve to set back confidence in the international arms control regime.”
“Disappointed and Regrettable”
Head of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty Organization, Robert Floyd, also expressed his disappointment with this law. On his X handle, he posted, “Today’s decision by the Russian Federation to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is very disappointing and deeply regrettable.”
More to read:Russian nuclear forces conduct major test
It is important to recall that for the first time since the Cold War, the relationship between Russia and the USA is at its worst. The heightening tensions were extensively intensified by the emergence of last year’s Russian-Ukraine war.