Russia Withdraws from Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: Putin's Decision

Russian President Vladimir Putin has revoked Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), citing the need to align with the United States. The move comes after Russia's upper house Federation Council unanimously approved the abandonment of the treaty. While it remains unclear if Russia will resume nuclear tests, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow would only do so if the US does. The US expressed concern over Russia's decision, accusing it of endangering the global norm against nuclear explosive testing. The abandonment of the CTBT leaves New START as the last remaining bilateral nuclear weapons treaty between the US and Russia.