Russian forces simulate nuclear strike as upper house rescinds ratification of test ban treaty

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s military has simulated a nuclear strike in a drill overseen by President Vladimir Putin. Wednesday’s exercise followed by hours a vote in the upper house of parliament to rescind the country’s ratification of a global nuclear test ban. The bill to end ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was approved in the lower house last week and now goes to Putin for final approval. Putin has said revoking Russia’s ratification would “mirror” the stance of the U.S., which signed but did not ratify the treaty. The drill comes as tensions soar between Russia and the West over the fighting in Ukraine.