US Conducts Underground Test on Day Russia Withdraws Ratification of CTBT

Several countries, including the United States, have yet to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The US conducted underground tests at the Nevada nuclear test site on October 19, coinciding with the Russian State Duma's passage of a law revoking its ratification of the CTBT. This information was reported by RIA Novosti, referencing the US Department of Energy.

According to the department's publication, "The team at the Nevada National Security Site (Nevada Test Site) conducted an underground chemical explosion aimed at enhancing the ability of the United States to detect low-yield nuclear explosions worldwide." Officials added, "High-energy chemical explosives and radionuclide indicators were used for this test."

The report states that the experiment was conducted for purposes related to US non-proliferation initiatives, aimed at reducing global nuclear threats. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was signed in 1996, obligating nuclear-armed countries to refrain from conducting such tests voluntarily. Russia ratified it in 2000. However, several countries, including the United States, have yet to ratify the treaty.