Moscow says it may rescind ratification of nuclear test ban

Russian lawmakers on Friday said they will consider revoking their ratification of the 1996 treaty because the United States never ratified it. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is intended to prohibit all nuclear explosions—military and non-military—and establish an international network of monitoring facilities. Russia is one of 178 nations that have ratified the treaty. The treaty requires ratification from 44 specific countries to take effect. Eight of the required countries that have not ratified the agreement are China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, and the United States.

What could the consequences be if Russia leaves the agreement? Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the country had successfully tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday said Moscow’s comments should not be taken as a statement of intent to resume nuclear tests. 

Dig deeper: Read Jill Nelson’s report in WORLD Magazine about who supports the Russian military during its invasion of Ukraine.