Statement from Dr. Robert Floyd Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Vienna, Austria 9 October 2023

I am concerned that the Russian Federation is taking steps towards revoking its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Today, the Council of the State Duma decided to consider this matter further.

The CTBT is a powerful instrument for global good, and it is a vital part of the international peace and security architecture.

I have been in close and regular contact with senior Russian Federation officials, making the case that ratifying the CTBT remains both in Russia’s national interest, as well as in the interest of all humanity. I have also requested the opportunity to meet with key leaders in Moscow as soon as possible.

Only through the CTBT’s entry into force can we fully realise its promise of a universal ban on nuclear testing. I will continue to vigorously pursue that goal and call on all eight States whose ratification is required for the entry into force of the CTBT to do so.

The CTBTO operates a global monitoring system which can detect a nuclear test explosion anytime, anywhere. Banning nuclear testing remains essential to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and to safeguarding current and future generations from the harmful effects of explosive nuclear testing.

I count on the Russian Federation to continue to contribute to these efforts, including completion of its segment of the International Monitoring System.

Background

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all time. Adherence to the Treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatory states and 178 ratifying states. To enter into force, the Treaty must be ratified by all 44 States listed in its Annex 2, for which eight ratifications are still required.