On Thursday 2 November, the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, deeply deplored, on behalf of the EU, Russia’s decision to sign into national law the revocation of its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
“This takes place in the context of its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and after months of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and threats, some specifically pointing at a resumption of nuclear tests”, he said, calling on Russia to continue to respect the aim and purpose of the treaty.
In his statement, Mr Borrell stressed the importance of the CTBT Treaty, which has been ratified by all EU Member States. “It is crucial for international peace and security that all States fully observe the moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion, and refrain from any action contrary to the object and purpose of the Treaty”, he stressed.
Although it has been ratified by 178 States, the CTBT has not yet entered into force due to the lack of ratification by eight countries out of an original list of 44 in Annex 2. “Russia’s unjustifiable intent to revoke its ratification of the Treaty constitutes a serious setback in Russia’s commitment towards the international security architecture that undermines the ongoing non-proliferation and disarmament efforts”, Mr Borrell regretted. He also said that the Russian decision was a major setback to Moscow’s commitments to work for the early entry into force of the CTBT and to promote the treaty at the highest political level and through all available bilateral and multilateral channels. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)