Nuclear watchdog chief raises concerns after Putin’s hint on Russian tests

Robert Floyd of CTBTO says it would be ‘concerning and deeply unfortunate’ if Russia chose to withdraw ratification of global ban

The head of an international watchdog on nuclear tests has raised concern about Russian intentions following remarks by Vladimir Putin saying Moscow could withdraw its ratification of a global ban on testing.

Robert Floyd, the executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) did not refer to Putin’s remarks directly but to “recent media reports”.