(MENAFN) In a move that has raised eyebrows globally, the United States recently conducted an underground explosion at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), employing a combination of chemical high-explosives and radiotracers. The experiment, conducted on Wednesday, was confirmed by the United States Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), with officials emphasizing its contribution to the development of advanced technology in line with United States nuclear nonproliferation objectives. Corey Hinderstein, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at the NNSA, underlined that these experiments play a vital role in bolstering global security by enhancing the detection of underground nuclear explosive tests.
The timing of this experiment is particularly noteworthy, occurring just hours after the Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament, greenlit a bill to withdraw Russia's ratification of the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The decision is viewed as an effort to mirror the United States, which never ratified the international accord. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's envoy to the United Nations in Vienna, emphasized that while Moscow remains committed to an informal moratorium on testing once the withdrawal from the CTBT is finalized, there may be scenarios where circumstances compel a reevaluation of this stance. He cautioned against the potential resumption of nuclear tests, citing its negative impact on global stability, especially in light of the already turbulent state of international relations.
The United States experiment at NNSS underscores the intricate dynamics of international nuclear policies and the delicate balance of power between nations possessing nuclear capabilities. The parallel actions of the United States and Russia serve as a stark reminder of the enduring complexities surrounding nuclear disarmament efforts and the persistent geopolitical tensions that continue to shape nuclear policy decisions worldwide.
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