President Putin highlights that many nations never ratified the treaty.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was “deeply concerned” by Russia’s movement to withdraw its ratification from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The treaty is an international, multilateral treaty introduced in 1996 to totally ban the testing of nuclear weapons for nearly any reason. Though most of the world’s nations have signed the treaty, not all countries have fully ratified the treaty, rendering it unenforceable.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the revocation of his nation’s ratification, he said the action mirrored the position the United States has taken toward the treaty. The United States is one of 9 other nations that have signed the treaty but not ratified it. Other notable members of this group include China, Israel, Iran, and North Korea.
However, Secretary Blinken stated, “Russia’s action will only serve to set back confidence in the international arms control regime.” He added, “We will continue to emphasize the irresponsibility of Russia’s recent rhetoric regarding nuclear weapon explosive testing and the CTBT.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Blinken to seek God’s guidance as he responds to the moves and actions of other nations.
- For State Department diplomats and officials to be discerning in their meetings and discussions with foreign ministers.
Sources: State Department, AP
