Page 22 - RusRPTNov23

2.6 Russia de-ratifies the nuclear test ban treaty
The State Duma unanimously voted to rescind Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on October 18. Russia ratified the CTBT in 2000 after it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996. However, the Treaty never formally entered into force; only 36 of the 44 required “nuclear capable states” ratified it. Although the US signed the treaty, it is among the eight states who did not ratify.
This February, Putin said that if the US began testing new types of nuclear weapons, Russia would do the same. On October 5, at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin signalled that Russia would be withdrawing from the CTBT and announced the successful testing of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered missile. Immediately afterwards, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin began the process of officially revoking Russia’s ratification.
The resulting bill was co-authored by almost all of the deputies in the Duma and passed unanimously in its first reading on October 17. The bill was again passed by all 415 deputies present during its second and third readings the next day.
In his remarks, Volodin blamed the US for precipitating Russia’s de-ratification. “For 23 years we have been waiting for the United States to ratify this Treaty (CTBT). But Washington, due to its double standards and irresponsible attitude towards global security issues, did not do this,” he said. The bill now needs to be approved by the upper house and signed by Putin to officially enter into law.
22 RUSSIA Country Report November 2023 www.intellinews.com