The international community and experts have expressed concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent decision to sign legislation authorising Russia’s withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
The CTBT was signed in 1996 and ratified by Russia in 2000 with the intention of prohibiting all nuclear test detonations.
Russia claims it will not resume nuclear testing unless the US does the same. However, some experts are concerned that Russia may conduct a nuclear test in order to dissuade Western nations from providing military assistance to Ukraine.
Russia’s move stirs fears of a new nuclear arms race. Some Western arms control experts worry that Russia might be contemplating conducting a nuclear test to incite fear in war-torn Ukraine and deter Western support.
International observers were disappointed and concerned by Russia’s decision to exit the CTBT.
The treaty, which has been signed and ratified by 164 countries, including major nuclear powers such as Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, requires ratification by all 44 countries that have nuclear weapons or nuclear power plants in order for it to be enforced.
The treaty has not been ratified or signed by a number of key countries, including the United States, China, Egypt, Iran, and Israel.
