Russia is scrapping its ratification of a key nuclear test ban. Here's what that means

A Russian Yars ballistic missile mounted on a mobile launcher during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Red Square in 2018. Russia has refrained from testing its nuclear weapons since the 1990s. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Russia is withdrawing its ratification of a landmark deal designed to prohibit nuclear testing. The Russian state duma carried out the first in a series of votes today that will lead to the de-ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Russia has said it remains committed to the treaty, but arms control advocates are worried that Russia's de-ratification is yet another step towards a renewed global nuclear arms race.