Russia passes law to revoke ratification of the nuclear test ban treaty

Deputies of the Russian State Duma unanimously passed in the second and third readings a law on the withdrawal of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

"Our vote will be a response to the United States of America for its boorish attitude to its responsibilities to maintain global security," Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said at the plenary session.

On October 5, Russian dictator Putin said that since the United States has not ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, it is possible to consider withdrawing Russia's ratification of this document, leaving the matter for the State Duma to consider.

On October 16, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that if Russia withdraws its ratification of the Treaty, it will continue to observe the moratorium on nuclear tests and that Russia will only conduct nuclear tests if the United States takes such a step.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is a multilateral international treaty aimed at prohibiting nuclear weapons test explosions and any other nuclear explosions for civilian or military purposes anywhere. It was adopted by the 50th session of the UN General Assembly on September 10, 1996 and opened for signature on September 24, 1996.

The Treaty prohibits nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere, outer space and under water.

As of 2023, 187 states have signed the Treaty, including 41 states out of 44 required for the Treaty to enter into force – only the "young" nuclear powers India, Pakistan, and the DPRK have not signed.

The Treaty was ratified by 178 states, including 36 states out of 44 required for its entry into force. Not ratified: The United States, China, and Israel.