The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Russia’s assessment of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) seems grosso modo similar to the approaches of other opponents to this endeavour. Russia’s arguments against the TPNW could be categorised within four clusters. First, as a matter of principle, a ban on nuclear weapons is unrealistic and could undermine nuclear non-proliferation. Second, it could be a challenge to Russia’s place in the international arena. Third, as a possessor state, the prevailing trends in nuclear-weapons thinking and planning differ from the normative and ethical underpinnings of the TPNW. Fourth, some analysts and politicians see numerous concrete setbacks for the project while not necessarily opposing a ban in principle. However, a recognition that the initiative for a total nuclear ban proceeds from good intentions and deserves positive assessment could easily lead to alternative conclusions. Moscow could refrain from proclaiming its negativity publicly and express it in a ‘hidden’ way, outside the official framework. Publicly, Moscow could support aspects of the TPNW and accept conditional involvement without signing, refrain from strident opposition and promote constructive engagement with the aim of achieving common approaches to the nuclear ban and/or other nuclear weapons-related issues.