Putin Revokes Russia's Ratification of Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Citing Lack of U.S. Participation

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill revoking Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

The treaty, opened in 1996 and ratified by 178 countries including Russia, banned nuclear bomb testing.

Putin noted the U.S. never ratified the treaty and said revoking it evens the playing field.

Russia has increasingly threatened nuclear weapons use amid its war in Ukraine.

In October, Russia tested an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile after an initial ground launch.