The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday Moscow's adherence to the "voluntary moratorium" on nuclear tests, a practice established by its predecessor, the Soviet Union, since 1990. The Ministry stated that the prospects for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT) entering into force remain uncertain and unclear, attributing this primarily to the stance of several nations, most notably the United States. Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, in a statement published on the official website, asserted that 179 out of 188 signatory
states have ratified the Treaty. Nevertheless, the chances of the CTBT becoming effective remain shrouded in ambiguity, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax. Zakharova explained that the core of the problem lies in the position of several countries, led
by the United States, which was at the forefront of nations advocating for the Treaty's adoption, yet has refrained from taking effective steps to ratify it over the past decades. The Russian official considered the justifications issued by the American leadership
regarding the failure to pass the relevant bill in Congress as "lacking logical grounds." She added: "We observe the exceptionally swift passage of laws on Capitol Hill when paramount American political interests are at stake." She further noted that recent statements
from Washington raise "profound concerns," citing US President Donald Trump's directive on October 29, 2025, which called for preparations to commence for nuclear tests. She emphasized that this directive "is not merely rhetoric; it represents a direct threat to the
voluntary moratorium, which serves to prevent the world from sliding into a new round of the nuclear arms race." Zakharova added: "American attempts to accuse other countries of actions allegedly inconsistent with the Treaty appear to be entirely baseless. As is
well known, when such statements emanate from the US capital, it signifies America's intention to once again abandon its international commitments." In a related context, Zakharova affirmed that Russia was the first among the five nuclear-weapon states to join the CTBT
on the opening day for signatures, September 24, 1996. She stated that "in 2023, Russia withdrew its ratification of the Treaty, thereby restoring balance with the United States in international legal obligations in this domain." She stressed that Russia remains a
party to the CTBT, with all its associated rights and duties. She continued: "We remain committed to our responsibilities within the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization." Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously instructed senior military and defense officials
to present a comprehensive feasibility study and proposals concerning the possibility of conducting nuclear tests, in response to American statements. Regarding its capabilities enhancement, she indicated that Russia completed the construction of its national segment within the International Monitoring System in
December 2023, making it the second-largest segment of its kind globally, with 32 facilities certified and operational. She reiterated that Russia "continues to adhere to the voluntary moratorium on nuclear tests, which the Soviet Union adopted in 1990." She highlighted that
Russian President Vladimir Putin had clearly stated on November 5, 2025: "Russia has always fully adhered to its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and we have no intention of retreating from it. However, if the United States or any
other state party to the Treaty conducts large-scale nuclear tests, Russia will also have to take appropriate and adequate retaliatory measures." She concluded by stating: "We fully adhere to this principle."
