As the threat of nuclear weapons increases due to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the review conference of the NPT (Nuclear Proliferation Treaty) has begun to discuss the direction of nuclear disarmament in the world.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed a sense of crisis, saying that "mankind is forgetting the lessons of the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," and appealed for all nations to reach an agreement on the direction of nuclear disarmament.
The NPT Review Conference, the first in seven years, began late at night on the 1st of Japan time at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
At the outset, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, bearing in mind Russia's repeated threats with nuclear weapons after its military invasion of Ukraine, he said, "Our peace and security are at a critical crossroads. It will be held at a time when we are facing a nuclear crisis that has not been experienced since the Cold War."
He also expressed a sense of crisis, stating that "mankind is forgetting the lessons of the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki," and appealed to all nations to reach an agreement on the direction of nuclear disarmament.
This was followed by speeches by representatives of each country, and representatives of each country, including Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. Secretary of State Brinken, criticized Russia one after another.
Germany's Foreign Minister Beerbock said, "Russia is jeopardizing all that the NPT has achieved in 50 years by making reckless nuclear allegations since its invasion of Ukraine."
On the other hand, Argentine Foreign Minister Cafiero criticized the nuclear-weapon states for spending huge amounts of money to modernize their nuclear weapons. It was also pointed out that the
Speeches by representatives of each country will be held until the 4th of this month, and representatives of Russia and China will also make speeches.
The conference is scheduled to last for four weeks until the 26th of this month, and the focus is on whether each country can compile an agreement as the confrontation and division of the international community over nuclear weapons deepens.
U.S. Secretary of State Brinken: 'We must unite'
Speaking at the Review Conference of the NPT = Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, U.S. Secretary of State Brinken said of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, "The world believes it is necessary to have nuclear weapons in order to prevent violations of the sovereignty and independence of nations. It sent the worst message to the countries in China," he said, strongly criticizing Russia's actions for having a negative impact on this conference.
Bearing in mind the threat posed by Russia's nuclear arsenal, he said, "There is no room in this world for nuclear deterrence based on coercion, intimidation, or blackmail. We must unite to reject it." He stressed that we should work together to reduce the nuclear threat.
Regarding Prime Minister Kishida, who was the first Japanese prime minister to give a speech at the Review Conference, Mr. Blinken said, "It is a very powerful message that Prime Minister Kishida is here. , it's great to be able to participate together."
German Foreign Minister Beerbock: Russia puts NPT at risk
In his speech at the NPT Review Conference, Germany's Foreign Minister Beerbock strongly said, "Since the February 24th military invasion, Russia has repeatedly made reckless nuclear allegations, jeopardizing everything the NPT has achieved in 50 years." condemned.
"The chances of a successful Review Conference may be smaller than ever. But it's too dangerous to give up. Now is the time to protect what previous generations have built." It's time. It's time to stand up for a peaceful international order."
President Biden ``Preparing a new arms control framework''
President Biden issued a statement on the 1st at the NPT Review Conference.
In this, President Biden emphasized that the United States will manage nuclear weapons responsibly and ``renews our determination to continue efforts toward the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons.''
Regarding the nuclear disarmament treaty "New START" with Russia, which will expire in 2026, four years from now, he said, "My administration is ready to promptly negotiate a new arms control framework to replace the New START. ” and called on the Russian side to negotiate for a new framework.
As a nuclear power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China "has a responsibility to participate in talks to reduce the risk of misreading its intentions and address its destabilizing military balance." increase.
In addition, he once again shows his willingness to realize the nuclear deal, saying that it is to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons.
On the other hand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France issued ministerial statements urging Russia to stop making irresponsible and dangerous statements and actions regarding nuclear weapons, which continue to threaten Russia with a military invasion of Ukraine. condemned.
We also call on North Korea for the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons.
Putin: There are no winners in nuclear war
On the 1st, the Russian president's office released President Putin's message in conjunction with the NPT review conference.
In it, Putin said, “Russia is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has consistently adhered to the letter and spirit of the treaty. We have fully fulfilled our obligations under the agreement.”
“We believe that nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought,” he said.
"The Review Conference will be a place for all parties to the NPT to strictly abide by their commitments and to confirm their willingness to contribute to strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime and ensuring global peace, security and stability." I am looking forward to it."
After the military invasion of Ukraine, President Putin not only ordered the deterrence to be raised to a special alert status in view of nuclear forces, but also launched a new type of ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads in April. , but the message did not mention such actions.
Russia Threatens International Society with Nuclear Forces After Military Invasion
After its military invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly threatened its nuclear arsenal to intimidate the international community.
In a televised speech on February 24, 2014, President Putin said, ``Modern Russia is one of the strongest nuclear powers even after the collapse of the Soviet Union,'' threatening the West, which criticized the invasion.
Three days later, he ordered Defense Minister Shoigu and the head of the uniformed group of the Russian army, Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov, to raise deterrence to a special alert status in view of nuclear forces. I dared to disclose the state of immediately following the president's order.
On April 20, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had successfully test-launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.
President Putin said, "It can break through any missile defense. It will make those who threaten our country change their minds."
In a speech on April 27, Putin said, "If you try to interfere in ongoing operations, it is an unacceptable strategic threat and we will take lightning countermeasures. If possible, we will use it,” and is understood to have once again demonstrated a willingness to use nuclear weapons.
After that, Russia continued to keep the West in check, and on May 4, in Kaliningrad, an enclave bordering Poland and Lithuania, a simulated firing exercise of the Iskander, a short-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, was conducted. announced.
And at the military parade held in Moscow on May 9, Victory Day, which marked the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, ICBMs = The intercontinental ballistic missile "Yarus" has been released.
In his speech on July 31, President Putin revealed his policy of deploying a sea-launched hypersonic missile "Zircon" capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on a frigate within a few months. It continues to threaten its nuclear arsenal.