Ryabkov named possible conditions for the resumption of nuclear tests

Russia can resume nuclear tests only after nuclear tests are carried out by the United States, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Ryabkov noted that the president “clearly formulated” that Russia must ensure the readiness of the test site for the resumption of testing activities.

“But resumption in practical terms is possible after the United States carries out appropriate tests. These are two integral elements of the position that guides the Russian Federation on all platforms,” Ryabkov clarified (quote according to RIA Novosti).

Ryabkov also explained journalists that in the event of withdrawal of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), Russia will not stop transmitting data from radionuclide monitoring stations on its territory and receiving data from outside. According to him, everything will function as it has functioned until now.

October 9 in the State Duma reportedthat the Committee on International Affairs will work until October 18 together with the Russian Foreign Ministry and other departments on the issue of revoking ratification of the CTBT. Earlier, the speaker of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, said that the decision to revoke ratification corresponds to the national interests of the Russian Federation and will be a mirror response of the United States, which never ratified the CTBT. Also in the Federation Council statedwhich may support the withdrawal of ratification.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a speech at the plenary session of the 20th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on October 5, said that Russia could theoretically withdraw ratification of the CTBT. He clarified that he cannot say now whether Russia needs nuclear weapons tests.

Later, press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov notedthat the possible withdrawal of ratification does not mean Russia’s intention to conduct nuclear tests. He explained that the president primarily meant “the need to bring the de facto situation to a common denominator.”

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.