Russia’s military carried out annual drills simulating a nuclear strike.
World News:
Following the Russian parliament’s decision to revoke the ratification of a nuclear test ban treaty, Russia’s military carried out annual drills simulating a nuclear strike.
During the military exercise, state television displayed Putin monitoring the event through a video call with senior military personnel. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu highlighted that these drills, which encompassed launching ballistic and cruise missiles, were designed for “dealing a massive nuclear strike with strategic offensive forces in response to a nuclear strike by the enemy.” The drills did not involve nuclear weapons, but did use the delivery systems that would utilized in a nuclear strike.
While such drills are annual, Shoigu’s remarks emerge during escalating tensions between Russia and Western countries.
The drills come days after the upper house of the Russian parliament opted to rescind Russia’s approval of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), a treaty initially signed in 1996 and ratified by Russia in 2000. The bill now awaits the signature of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin previously proposed the idea of withdrawing from the CTBT, pointing to the United States’ decision to sign but not ratify the treaty. After waiting 23 years for the US to ratify the treaty, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, “Regrettably, no indications that the US is going to follow this path, and so we have no choice but to balance our position.”
What is the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty?
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty aims to prohibit nuclear explosions worldwide. However, its complete implementation remains stalled, with several nations, including the US, China, and North Korea, yet to ratify it into law.
