Russia: We’ll be forced to mirror US if it conducts nuclear test
Russia will be forced to resume its nuclear testing program if the United States conducts an atomic test, says Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, amid signs of nuclear activities at a site in Nevada.
The Russian official said on Tuesday Moscow had seen signs the United States was making preparations to resume nuclear testing.
“The indications are that there is or was, at least until recently, (preparatory) work underway at the Nevada Testing Site.”
He said if the US conducts a nuclear test, “we will be forced to mirror that as well.”
Ryabkov also said Moscow will move to revoke the ratification of a global test-ban treaty to put itself on par with the States.
The treaty, known as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), was signed by the presidents of the two countries in 1996. It was never ratified by Washington.
It bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world.
The Russian diplomat said Washington “believed that we will keep turning a blind eye” to its failure to ratify the pact. “We hope that Washington will get the signal.”
His remarks echoed those of President Vladimir Putin, who said last week that the parliament should consider withdrawing Moscow’s ratification of the treaty.
Putin has given Russian lawmakers 10 days to find the best avenue to revoke Moscow’s ratification of the treaty.
The president also said Russia’s nuclear doctrine did not need updating. Moscow possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal.
The US has warned that Russia’s pulling out from the treaty will endanger the “global norm” against nuclear test blasts.
Putin replaces defense minister Shoigu in major shakeup
Thousands evacuated as Russia scores major gains in Ukraine’s Kharkiv
Hundreds flee as Russian troops close in on Ukraine’s Kharkiv
Dozens killed as Israel launches heavy bombardment in Gaza
VIDEO | Police scuffle with pro-Palestine protesters at Amsterdam university
Russia: 1,400 Ukrainian soldiers killed in Donetsk, Luhansk in 24 hours
US warns of sanctions after India, Iran sign landmark port deal
UNICEF urges end to Israel’s ‘indiscriminate killing’ of Gaza children
Iraqi Resistance fires new kamikaze drone in attack on strategic Israeli site
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Yemen warns it may strike targets enemy ‘can’t even imagine’
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
