Cold War 2.0 On The Horizon? Putin Signs Law Revoking Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Ratification

In a significant move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that revokes Russian ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, as per reports by Indian Express.

This international treaty, aimed at curbing the testing of nuclear weapons, has a history intertwined with the United States.

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, adopted in 1996, seeks to prohibit all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.

While it has been signed by 185 countries, it has not entered into full force because some key nations, including the United States, have yet to ratify it.

The United States, despite signing the treaty, has never ratified it, citing concerns about maintaining its nuclear deterrent capabilities and the need for assurance that other nuclear-armed nations are adhering to their commitments.

Russia's recent action to revoke its ratification appears to be a response to this US stance.

Russia has emphasised that it will only resume nuclear testing if the United States chooses to do so, underlining the notion of strategic parity.

This development adds a new layer to the ongoing global discussions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, reflecting the complex dynamics between nuclear-armed states.