U.S. concerned by withdrawal of Russia's ratification of global nuclear test ban -Blinken

The withdrawal of Russia's ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons tests is a step in the wrong direction and will serve to set back confidence in the international arms control regime, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

"We are deeply concerned by Russia's planned action to withdraw its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)," Blinken said in a statement released by the State Department.

"Unfortunately, it represents a significant step in the wrong direction, taking us further from, not closer to, entry into force," Blinken said.