Russia simulates nuclear strike as upper house rescinds ratification of test ban treaty

Russia conducts simulated nuclear strike drill, hours after upper house votes to rescind ratification of global nuclear test ban. Drill overseen by President Putin to practice response to nuclear strike by enemy. US signed but did not ratify treaty, and other countries yet to ratify. Concerns Russia could resume tests to discourage West from supporting Ukraine. Russia will only resume tests if US does first. US has proposed dialogue on strategic stability and arms control, but Russia not ready due to hostile policy course.

Russia’s military conducted a simulated nuclear strike in a drill Wednesday overseen by President Vladimir Putin, hours after the upper house of parliament voted to rescind the country's ratification of a global nuclear test ban.

The bill to end ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, approved in the lower house last week, will now be sent to Mr. Putin for final approval. Mr. Putin has said that revoking Russia’s 2000 ratification would “mirror” the stance of the U.S., which signed but did not ratify the nuclear test ban.

State television showed Mr. Putin directing the exercise via video call with top military officials.

Russia's Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu said the purpose of the drills is to practice “dealing a massive nuclear strike with strategic offensive forces in response to a nuclear strike by the enemy.”

While similar drills are held every autumn, Mr. Shoigu's pointed comments came amid soaring tensions between Russia and the West over the fighting in Ukraine.

The test ban treaty, adopted in 1996, bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world, but the treaty was never fully implemented. In addition to the U.S., it is yet to be ratified by China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran and Egypt.

There are widespread concerns that Russia could move to resume nuclear tests to try to discourage the West from continuing to offer military support to Ukraine. Many Russian hawks have spoken in favor of a resumption of the tests.