Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern over Russia’s planned decision to withdraw ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
“Unfortunately, this is a significant step in the wrong direction that moves us further away from the Treaty’s entry into force rather than closer to it,” Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department on Thursday. “Russia’s actions will only undermine confidence in the international arms control regime.” “We appreciate the similar statements of concern made by many other states in recent weeks regarding this measure.”
Blinken said the United States will continue to highlight the irresponsibility of Russia’s recent rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons testing and the CTBT.
“This is a continuation of Moscow’s alarming and misguided efforts aimed at increasing nuclear risks and tensions during the illegal war against Ukraine,” the head of the foreign policy department emphasized.
“Russian officials have said that Russia’s planned withdrawal from the ratification program does not mean a resumption of testing, and we urge Moscow to adhere to these statements,” Blinken said. “The United States remains committed to bringing the CTBT into force and we reaffirm our commitment to the 30-year moratorium on any testing of nuclear explosives.”
The head of the State Department highlighted the need to maintain the ban on testing nuclear explosives.
