Russia Withdraws from Nuclear Treaties Amid Rising Tensions

Russia has officially withdrawn from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). The withdrawal comes amid rising tensions and a climate of ultranationalist one-upmanship. Russia's actions are seen as a response to the United States' policies and a potential signal of its willingness to conduct nuclear tests. The absence of nuclear dialogue has raised concerns about the fate of the New START treaty, which is due to expire in 2026.