Moscow Warns Washington on Nuclear Tests: Conditional Commitment to Ban Treaty

Russia's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to the voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing, declared by the Soviet Union in 1990. It noted that the prospects for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) entering into force remain uncertain, due to the stance of several nations, primarily the United States. Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explained that while 179 out of 188 signatory states have ratified the treaty, its entry into force remains ambiguous. She attributed this to the position of countries like the United States, an initiator of the treaty, but which has not taken effective steps to ratify it over decades. Zakharova stated that remarks from American leadership concerning the failure to pass relevant legislation in Congress "do not stand up to criticism," emphasizing the swiftness with which laws are passed on Capitol Hill when US political interests are deeply involved. She highlighted that recent statements from Washington cause "particular concern," pointing to US President Donald Trump's directive on October 29, 2025, to begin preparations for nuclear tests. She described this as "not just words, but in fact a direct threat to this moratorium, which prevents the world from sliding into a new round of the nuclear arms race." Zakharova added that "American attempts to accuse other countries of actions purportedly inconsistent with the treaty are completely baseless. As is well known, when such statements come from Washington, it means Americans intend once again to abandon their international obligations." In this context, Zakharova affirmed Russia was the first among the five nuclear-weapon states to accede to the CTBT, on the opening day for signatures, September 24, 1996. In 2023, Russia withdrew its ratification of the treaty, aiming to rebalance international legal obligations in this area with the United States. She stressed that Russia remains a party to the CTBT, retaining all its rights and obligations, and continues to work responsibly within the Preparatory Commission for the CTBT Organization. In a parallel development, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered senior military and defense officials to present a feasibility study and proposals regarding the possibility of conducting nuclear tests, in response to US President's statements. Moscow also revealed the completion of its national segment of the International Monitoring System in December 2023, the second largest of its kind globally, with 32 facilities accredited and operational. Russia further affirmed its continued adherence to the voluntary nuclear testing moratorium, adopted by the Soviet Union in 1990. On November 5, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly stated: "Russia has always fully complied with its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and we have no intention of retreating from them. However, if the United States or any other state party to the treaty conducts large-scale nuclear tests, Russia will also have to take appropriate and adequate retaliatory measures," affirming full commitment to this approach.