Putin to Decide Regarding CTBT in 10 Days

 

Putin


Vladimir Putin's recent statements on nuclear weapons are leaving many perplexed and concerned. As reported by The Guardian, the Russian leader has taken an alarming step by announcing the successful testing of the nuclear-capable cruise missile Burevestnik.

This development is troubling, particularly as Russia had already signaled its intention to resume nuclear testing, a practice abandoned for over three decades.

Adding to the confusion and unease, Reuters reported that Putin has now imposed a tight 10-day deadline for Russian lawmakers to make a critical decision regarding the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Russia's envoy to the organization further indicated that Moscow might revoke its ratification of the treaty, a move that has raised eyebrows and drawn condemnation from Washington for its potential to disrupt "global norms."

The CTBT, established back in 1996, serves to prohibit nuclear test explosions, whether conducted above or below ground.

What makes this situation even more bewildering is the varying stances of different countries towards the treaty. While India, Pakistan, and North Korea have not signed the treaty, the United States, along with China, Egypt, Iran, and Israel, have signed it but not ratified it. Strikingly, all these countries, except North Korea, have at least agreed to refrain from nuclear testing.

The potential withdrawal of Russia from the CTBT raises deep concerns, notably highlighting the fact that Russia holds the world's largest nuclear arsenal. Western security analysts are now in a state of heightened alarm, fearing that such a move by Russia could trigger a dangerous domino effect.

This could lead nations like the United States and China to contemplate their own return to nuclear testing, a prospect that could reignite a perilous arms race, as reported by Reuters.

Adding an additional layer of complexity, Putin pointed out that unlike the United States, Russia has both signed and ratified the treaty. This raises puzzling questions about Russia's intentions. As reported by The Guardian, Putin made an enigmatic statement, saying, "I'm not prepared to say whether we really need to conduct tests or not, but it's theoretically possible to behave the same way as the U.S."

He added that no rational person could conceive of using nuclear weapons against Russia. The uncertainty surrounding these developments is undeniably perplexing and unnerving.

 


Post a Comment

أحدث أقدم