Putin’s CTBT Decision: Shift in Strategy Amidst Radical Propaganda Notion
On October 6th, TASS, one of the largest Russian media service, reported that The State Duma Council is set to discuss the possibility of revoking the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
The withdrawal of ratification of the CTBT is in the interests of the Russian Federation; it will be a mirror response of the United States, which has not ratified the treaty. This decision aligns with President Putin’s recent discussion at the “Valdai” meeting, where he hinted at the potential suspension of the CTBT. He emphasized that Russia, nearing the completion of its new strategic weapons, sees no necessity for further nuclear tests. Specifically, Putin highlighted the successful testing of the “Burevestnik” and “Sarmat” missiles, indicating that Russia is poised to manufacture these advanced weapons.
Interestingly, this announcement coincided with a heated online debate sparked by Margarita Simonyan, a prominent pro-government propagandist. In her online program, she presented an unconventional scenario: proposing that instead of targeting Washington with a nuclear bomb, Russia could detonate a thermonuclear device above Siberia, leading to the destruction of electronic devices worldwide. Simonyan sourced this idea from an unnamed “expert,” although she openly acknowledged her limited scientific expertise. According to her, such an explosion would have no adverse effects on the ground, eliminating concerns about nuclear winter or cancer-related risks. In a somewhat whimsical tone, she envisioned a return to the simplicity of 1993, a time she nostalgically described as an era of peaceful living.
Margarita Simonyan in her online program (Source: Margarita Simonyan/Telegram )
The video of the statement gained a lot of attention all over the internet due to its absurdity. Even loyal followers of the channel that airing the video were concerned about this proposal.
Comments by the followers: “Have I misheard: “thermonuclear explosion in Siberia”??? How is it even possible??”, “I hope she’s not serious. The radius of the electromagnetic pulse is not so large, it will work instantly (nothing will happen with the electronics turned off), the contamination of the territory will take 5-10 years, the infected air masses will disperse along the wind rose for thousands of kilometers. I would like to hear the name of the “expert” who could advise this.”, “If what she says happens, our children will write on birch bark with a stick!”, “Is it okay that people also live in Siberia? Not only in Moscow and Armenia”. (Source: Кеосаян daily/ Telegram)
It’s not certain if the government and Simonyan’s ideas are related, but it’s clear that Russia might be planning new developments in nuclear testing. The shifts in the country’s strategic approach cause raising concerns about the possible outcomes.