There are growing concerns about Iran's continued enrichment and new nuclear facilities as well as possible missile sales to Russia.
The United States and its NATO allies announced their plans following Russia’s decision earlier this year to withdraw from the pact.
Russia’s move to withdraw its ratification from the 1996 treaty is a reminder that the de facto global test moratorium cannot be taken for granted.
Even after withdrawing its ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, Russia would still be obligated to refrain from nuclear testing.
Working groups are expected to report on plans to advance nuclear disarmament verification, victim assistance, and other priorities.
Some Russian officials say the country will adhere to its nuclear testing moratorium but President Vladimir Putin is noncommittal.
The United States retains exclusive military rights in the region while the island nation receives economic assistance.
Consideration by the Russian Duma to “de-ratify” the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) would be a "clumsy, self-defeating gimmick," say nuclear nonproliferation experts with no effect on United States nuclear test ban policy.
The manner in which negotiations collapsed at two key nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty events bodes poorly for the future of multilateral nuclear diplomacy.
The annual Arms Trade Treaty conference urged states-parties to deepen contacts with industry on the issue of responsible international transfers of conventional weapons.