Press Releases
Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT
(Statement by Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko)
November 3, 2023
- On November 2nd, Russia promulgated and put into force the law to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
- With regard to the CTBT adopted in 1996, Russia ratified it in 2000 and since then has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the norm banning nuclear testing. Throughout the period, the international community has witnessed a steady increase in the number of countries that have signed and ratified the CTBT. Such history has great significance for the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. In the current severe international situation, it is becoming increasingly important to promote the entry into force and to universalize the CTBT.
- Against this backdrop, taking into consideration that Russia is one of the Annex 2 States and the largest nuclear-weapon State among the States Signatories and States Parties of the CTBT, Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT goes against the international community’s longstanding efforts. Japan condemns Russia's decision and urges Russia to continue to respect the international norm banning nuclear testing stipulated in the CTBT and to show its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the international monitoring system and to the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
- As the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan will continue to work tenaciously with the international community toward the achievement of a world without nuclear weapons through realistic and practical efforts, including the early entry into force and universalization of the CTBT.