Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has revoked the country’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in order to align with the United States. The new law to abandon the landmark agreement was signed after unanimous approval by Russia’s upper house Federation Council and a swift passage through the lower house State Duma. The CTBT, which bans all nuclear explosions, was never fully effective due to lack of ratification by key countries. Moscow’s decision to withdraw from the treaty is to mirror the US position, although it remains uncertain whether this will lead to a resumption of nuclear weapon tests. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia will continue to respect the ban and will only resume nuclear testing if the US does so. Russia’s move has drawn concern from the US, which views it as endangering the global norm against nuclear explosive testing and an attempt to pressure countries supporting Ukraine. The abandonment of the CTBT leaves New START as the last remaining bilateral nuclear weapons treaty between the US and Russia. However, Russia suspended the treaty in February, and negotiations for its renewal are unlikely without a change in the hostile stance of the US towards Russia.