US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia’s decision to withdraw ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was “a step in the wrong direction”. His comment was published Web site American State Department.
“Unfortunately, this decision represents a significant step in the wrong direction, moving us away from the entry into force of the agreement, but not closer to it,” the head of the department said.
According to Blinken, Moscow’s actions will only undermine confidence in the international arms control regime.
“We are deeply concerned by Russia’s decision to withdraw its ratification of the CTBT,” the US State Department chief added.
He also expressed gratitude to officials of other countries who had previously expressed concern about Russia’s decision not to ratify the CTBT.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on the afternoon of November 2 signed the law About the withdrawal of approval of the CTBT. The document was officially published, the ratification clause was canceled and it came into force on the same day.
Putin’s spoke With my initiative in October. The head of state explained that the decision would be a mirror reaction of the United States, which did not ratify the treaty but also signed it.
Details about Putin’s situation had previously emerged. made a decision Under the nuclear testing agreement.