Putin allowed Russia to withdraw its ratification of the nuclear test ban treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that Russia could theoretically withdraw ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). This is what he’s talking about stated during a speech at the plenary session of the XX annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

Putin clarified that he cannot say now whether Russia needs nuclear weapons tests. “But behave in a mirror manner in relations with the United States, I repeat once again, when they signed but did not ratify [договор о запрещении ядерных испытаний], and we signed and ratified it, in principle, it is possible. But this is a question for the State Duma deputies. Theoretically, it is possible to revoke ratification, if we do this, that will be quite enough,” he clarified.

During his speech, Putin also noted that he does not see the need to change the concept of military doctrine regarding the use of nuclear weapons. The Russian leader recalled that the document indicated two reasons for the possible use of nuclear weapons – the use of such weapons against Russia and the threat to the existence of the Russian state, even if conventional weapons are used.

“Do we need to change this? What for? Everything can be changed. I don’t see the need for this,” he said.

Putin noted that there is no situation in which today something would threaten the existence of the Russian state. “I think no person in his right mind and clear memory would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia,” he emphasized, answering the question whether the concept is outdated and whether it’s time to change it in the direction of lowering the nuclear threshold.

In September, Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Vershinin statedthat Russia calls on the United States to immediately ratify the CTBT. According to him, the United States could become a driving force in this matter and set an example for other states.

The UN General Assembly approved the CTBT on September 24, 1996. The document prohibits testing nuclear weapons and carrying out nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes. The moratorium applies in the atmosphere, in space, under water and underground on the territory of all states. The CTBT has not yet entered into force, as it has not been ratified by the United States, Egypt, Israel, Iran and China and has not been signed by India, North Korea and Pakistan.