NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY
Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he's also keeping his options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to NATO, cautioning against excessive military support for Ukraine, as it could escalate into a nuclear conflict with Russia. Despite Russia's current military advantage in Ukraine, Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a viable option if Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. Recent Russian drills with tactical nuclear weapons underscore Moscow's readiness to respond to perceived Western provocations, including discussions of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine and supplying longer-range weapons to Kyiv. This nuclear rhetoric marks a dangerous escalation amid ongoing tensions in the region.
North Korea says tested missile capable of carrying super-large warhead
North Korea successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a super-large warhead, state media said Tuesday, with analysts suggesting the weapon could be nuclear-capable. Pyongyang's state media claimed it had successfully launched the Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5 missile, which it said was capable of carrying a 4.5 ton-class super-large warhead.
N. Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles, one fails
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles, with one launch failing, South Korea's military reported Monday. The launches followed North Korea's warning of "fatal consequences" after joint military exercises by South Korea, Japan, and the US. The first missile flew 600 km, while the second traveled 120 km and seemed to explode mid-air. The launches come amid tensions over accusations that North Korea supplied weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine and ongoing military activities in both Koreas.
Putin says Russia should produce previously banned missiles
Putin was referring to missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (300-3,400 miles) that were banned under the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Washington withdrew from the deal in 2019, citing Russia's failure to comply. The Kremlin said at the time that it would abide by a moratorium on production if the US did not deploy missiles within striking distance of Russia.
What is this defense deal between Russia and North Korea? Will it threaten China?
A top US defense official has said that a recently concluded defense deal between Russia and North Korea could threaten China. He added that any instability in the region could derail China’s economic and strategic objectives.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
In a significant move, President Putin's visit to North Korea showcased Russia's willingness to challenge Western interests, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The pact signed with Kim Jong Un includes mutual military assistance and the possibility of weapons shipments to North Korea. This agreement marks the strongest tie between the two countries since the Cold War. Putin's actions have raised concerns in Washington and Seoul, with South Korea considering supplying arms to Ukraine in response. However, Putin warned against this, indicating potential repercussions.
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Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid against "aggression," signaling stronger ties amid their standoffs with the West. The summit marked Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years and raised concerns over potential arms deals for Russia's war in Ukraine. The agreement enhances security, trade, and cultural ties. U.S. and South Korean officials expressed alarm, and Putin’s subsequent visit to Vietnam underscores Russia’s efforts to bolster alliances amid global tensions.
South Korea blasts Russia-North Korea deal, says it will consider supplying arms to Ukraine
South Korea condemns Russia and North Korea's mutual defense agreement, reconsidering support to Ukraine. North Korea and Russia vow military assistance in case of war, causing concern. Seoul warns of negative consequences on relations with Moscow.
North Korea says deal between Putin and Kim requires immediate military assistance in event of war
The new agreement between Russia and North Korea, as reported by North Korean state media, requires the countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other in the event of war. This agreement marks a significant upgrade in their relations, covering security, trade, investment, cultural, and humanitarian ties. The summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin also raised concerns about a potential arms arrangement between Pyongyang and Moscow, with North Korea supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with ongoing weapons tests and military exercises involving the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
China's nuclear force now three times larger than India's: SIPRI data
China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal, now boasting 500 warheads, triple that of India. This expansion reflects heightened geopolitical tensions and a global trend toward modernizing nuclear capabilities. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that all nine nuclear-armed states are enhancing their arsenals, with China and the US notably placing warheads on high operational alert.
Before his summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin vows they'll beat sanctions together
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for supporting his actions in Ukraine and pledged close cooperation to overcome US-led sanctions. Ahead of his two-day summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Putin highlighted their mutual opposition to Western ambitions and plans to develop independent trade and payment systems. Putin’s visit marks his first to North Korea in 24 years and underscores growing military and economic ties. US and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with military aid for the Ukraine conflict, which both countries deny.
Russia President Vladimir Putin makes a rare visit to North Korea, an old ally
Putin was met at Pyongyang's airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. They shook hands and embraced, and Kim later joined Putin in his car to personally guide him to Pyongyang's Kumsusan State Guest House, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency said.
South Korea, US work on joint strategy over North nuclear threat
Senior South Korean and U.S. defense officials met in Seoul to discuss new guidelines for coordinating their response to potential nuclear threats from North Korea. The guidelines focus on maintaining a "credible and effective" nuclear deterrence policy and posture. The meeting follows last year's summit where the U.S. promised to share more nuclear planning information with South Korea. The next meeting will be held in Washington later this year.
How China and Russia are vying to disrupt US military edge in outer space
Russia and China are developing abilities to counter the US in the space sector. The weaponization of outer space has emerged as a concern for mankind.
North Korea plans to launch a rocket soon, likely carrying its 2nd military spy satellite
North Korea announced plans to launch a rocket carrying its second military spy satellite, drawing strong rebukes from South Korea and Japan. The launch, banned under UN resolutions, was disclosed during a trilateral meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. North Korea's planned launch is viewed as a cover for testing its long-range missile technology, violating UN resolutions. Yoon and Kishida urged North Korea to cancel the launch, emphasizing its threat to regional peace and security.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has informed Japan of its plan to launch a satellite by early next week, likely aiming to put its second military spy satellite into orbit. The notification comes as South Korea, Japan, and China hold their first trilateral meeting in over four years in Seoul. Japan's coast guard received the launch information, which involves safety precautions for waters between the Korean Peninsula and China, and east of the Philippines. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged cooperation with the U.S. and South Korea to prevent the launch, which violates U.N. bans on North Korean satellite launches viewed as missile tests.
Putin says nuclear forces 'always' on alert in Victory Day speech
In a defiant address on Red Square, President Vladimir Putin asserted Russia's nuclear readiness and determination to defend against Western threats. He praised Russian forces in Ukraine and accused Western elites of instigating global conflicts. The Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet Union's WWII victory, was marked by Putin's warnings and increased nuclear rhetoric. Despite tensions, several world leaders attended, while Armenia's PM, amidst a spat with Russia, notably did not. Putin's speech reflects a combative stance as Russia advances in Ukraine and he begins an unprecedented fifth term.
Vladimir Putin orders tactical nuclear weapons drills amid Western 'threats'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to conduct exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived "threats" from the West, according to CNN. This marks the first public announcement of such drills by Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The exercises will focus on preparations and deployment scenarios for non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use with lower destructive capabilities than strategic nuclear weapons.
Nuclear weapons are controlled by AI? Here’s what US official tells Russia, China
America's concerned about use of AI in nuclear technology. The US has exhorted China and the Russian Federation to commit against use of AI in operations of nuclear arsenal.
Russia proposes UN resolution on banning weapons in space, after vetoing similar UN-Japan draft
Russia has proposed a U.N. resolution urging all nations to prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space "for all time." This comes after Russia vetoed a U.S.-Japan resolution aimed at curbing an arms race in space. The Russian draft resolution goes further by calling for a ban on all types of weapons in space, including the use of force in outer space. The vetoed resolution focused only on weapons of mass destruction, excluding other weapons in space. Russia's move is seen as a response to recent developments, including the U.S.'s confirmation of Russia's anti-satellite weapon capability.
Kim Jong Un oversees North Korea's first 'nuclear trigger' drills
The drills showcased North Korea's "nuclear trigger" management system for the first time, the official Korean Central News Agency reported, adding this was the country's combined control system for its nuclear weapons.
North Korea says it tested a new cruise missile in the latest example of its expanding capabilities
North Korea conducted its first flight test of a new cruise missile, the Pulhwasal-3-31, expanding its military capabilities amid tensions with the United States and neighbors. The missile is strategic and still in development, posing no immediate threat. North Korea's cruise missiles are part of its growing arsenal targeting missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. North Korea has conducted at least 10 rounds of tests since 2021. Tensions have increased, leading to expanded combined military exercises by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
Vladimir Putin revokes Russia's ratification of nuclear test ban treaty
Russian President Vladimir Putin signs law revoking Russia's ratification of Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, aligning with the US. The move doesn't change Russia's nuclear stance. Concerns of a possible test amid Ukraine conflict persist.
Russian parliament completes passage of law shifting stance on nuclear test ban treaty
The upper house, the Federation Council approved the law by 156 votes to zero after the lower house, the Duma, had also passed it unanimously. It now goes to President Vladimir Putin for signing.
Russian Duma passes law to revoke ratification of nuclear test ban treaty
Russia's parliament has passed a bill that revokes Russia's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, in line with President Vladimir Putin's wishes. This move comes at a time of heightened tension with the West. Russia says it will not resume testing unless the United States does, but experts are concerned that it may be inching towards a test that could escalate the situation further. Russia's shift on the treaty follows its earlier suspension of the New START treaty with the US, which limited the number of strategic warheads each side could deploy.
Russia moves to revoke nuclear test ban treaty
The move comes after President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month he was "not ready to say" whether Russia needed to carry out live nuclear tests. Results from the State Duma lower house showed lawmakers unanimously approved the bill in its first reading.
NATO will hold major nuclear exercise next week as Russia plans to pull out of test ban treaty
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, adopted in 1996 and known as the CTBT, bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world, although it has never fully entered into force. It was signed by both the Russian and US presidents but was never ratified by the United States.
Russia will only resume nuclear tests if the US does it first, a top Russian diplomat says
Russia has announced its intention to revoke the ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty, following the US decision to do so. However, Russia clarified that it will only resume nuclear tests if the US conducts one first. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which bans all nuclear explosions worldwide, was signed by both Russia and the US but has never been fully enforced. Concerns have been raised that Russia may resume nuclear tests to deter Western military support for Ukraine.
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