U.S. Intelligence: Russia Might Be Violating Nuclear Test Ban Treaty By Conducting Secret Tests On Arctic Island

Russian servicemen drive Yars RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile systems during the Victory Day parade, which marks the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia, in May. (Reuters)

Warzone/The Drive: U.S. Says Russia Might Be Setting Off Very Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons On This Arctic Island

Such tests would be in violation of an international nuclear test ban treaty that Russia has signed and ratified.

The U.S. government says that Russia may be conducting low-yield nuclear testing at a remote site above the Arctic Circle in violation of its obligations under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, or CTBT. The allegation comes at a time when arms control deals between the two countries appear especially fragile. At the same time, the two nuclear-armed nations are actively working to modernize and diversify their arsenals.

The Wall Street Journal was first to report the accusation on May 29, 2019, citing a U.S. intelligence assessment and comments from U.S. Army Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The claims reportedly center around activities at Novaya Zemlya, an archipelago in Russia’s far north, where the country has conducted nuclear weapon testing in the past and that continues to support nuclear weapons development programs.

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WU Editor: Russia has been quick to respond .... Russia Slams US Accusations Over Abidance by Nuclear Testing Moratorium (Sputnik).

More News On U.S. Intelligence Believing That Russia Might Be Violating The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty By Conducting Secret Tests On An Arctic Island

U.S. Says Russia Likely Conducting Low-Yield Nuke Tests, Defying Test Ban Treaty -- WSJ
Russia likely violating nuclear test ban treaty by conducting secret operations on island, officials say -- FOX News
The US says Russia has been cheating on an arms control treaty and secretly testing low-yield nukes to strengthen its arsenal -- Business Insider
U.S. believes Russia conducting low-level nuclear tests -official -- Reuters
Russia suspected of nuclear testing, says USA -- 9News