Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Moscow's appreciation for the work of the international nuclear test ban organization during a meeting with Robert Floyd, the executive secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), amid escalating global tensions. Lavrov highlighted the potential for further deterioration in the global situation, particularly concerning nuclear testing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov noted that the current global environment is not only unsettling for many nations but also threatens the integrity of nuclear non-proliferation efforts. He warned that these efforts could soon face significant risks or even complete destruction. Lavrov underscored the importance of maintaining a depoliticized approach to the work of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, led by Floyd.

In response, Floyd expressed gratitude for Russia's support and emphasized the significance of multilateral cooperation in achieving peace and security, as outlined in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. He reiterated the value of collaborative efforts that surpass the capabilities of any single nation, thanking Lavrov for Russia's continued endorsement of the commission's work.

The CTBTO Preparatory Commission, based in Vienna, serves as an interim organization responsible for establishing the verification regime of the CTBTO, which was initiated by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996. The treaty prohibits nuclear weapons tests and other nuclear explosions, with 187 states having signed the agreement and 178 ratifying it. However, for the treaty to become fully effective, ratification is still needed from key countries, including China, Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Although Russia ratified the treaty in 2000, it revoked its ratification in 2023 to align with the US stance, reflecting ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding nuclear non-proliferation.