On the day of Russia’s decision on the CTBT, the United States conducted tests at a nuclear test site

On October 18, the United States conducted underground testing at a Nevada site previously used for nuclear testing, furthering its goals of nuclear nonproliferation and reducing global nuclear threats. The US Department of Energy said the tests were carried out at the same time that the Russian State Duma passed a law revoking ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The Nevada National Security Test Site team conducted an underground chemical explosion using high-yield chemical explosives and radioisotope tracers. This was done to improve the US’s ability to detect low-yield nuclear explosions around the world, the report said.

The State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a bill on the withdrawal of ratification of the CTBT in the second and third readings on September 18. The chairman of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, explained that Russia had been waiting for the ratification of the treaty by the United States for 23 years, but this did not happen due to double standards and an irresponsible attitude towards global security issues. He noted that Washington’s hegemony does not lead to favorable consequences, and strongly emphasized the need for dialogue based on mutual strength and the rejection of double standards.

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the possibility of Russia withdrawing its ratification of the CTBT, an available option since the treaty was signed by both Russia and the United States, but was not ratified by the American side. He also said that Russia’s response to a possible nuclear attack would leave the enemy no chance of survival. According to the president, no one in their right mind would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia.