Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) – France deplores Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the treaty (2 November 2023)

France deplores Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), in the context of its illegal aggression against Ukraine and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.

France recalls that, for more than 25 years, the CTBT has been an essential instrument in the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture, currently ratified by 178 States and signed by 186.

Since the Treaty was opened up for signature, the nuclear-test ban has been established as a common standard, and only North Korea has violated it in the 21st century.

Russia’s decision jeopardizes work to universalize the Treaty. We reaffirm the importance of the CTBT and its full implementation.

France calls on Russia to observe the moratorium on tests and reverse this decision.