Putin Signs Law to Withdraw Ratification of Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that withdraws Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The document was published on the official legal information portal.

The treaty was signed on behalf of Russia in New York on September 24, 1996, and ratified by it on May 27, 2000. The treaty was intended to serve as the primary international legal instrument for halting all types of nuclear testing. However, it has not yet entered into force because it has not been ratified by eight of the 44 states that possess nuclear weapons or the capability to develop them.

As noted in accompanying materials, the adopted law aims to restore equality in obligations in the field of nuclear weapons control. At the same time, it clarifies that the document provides a legal basis for Russia to withdraw its ratification.

The law takes effect from the date of official publication.