Nuclear Weapons

Moscow Announces Enhanced Revision of its Nuclear Doctrine

Russia's nuclear doctrine, particularly concerning its large arsenal of non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNW), has become one of the most pressing issues in Euro-Atlantic security. Russia is planning to revise its nuclear doctrine, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced. This decision is of course being made against the backdrop of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reactions of the West.

June 18, 2024

Russia Begins Nuclear Weapons Exercises Near Ukraine

Russia has begun nuclear weapons exercises near the Ukrainian border, once again issuing a stronger nuclear threat to the West. The exercises, which are taking place in the south of Russia, include training with tactical nuclear weapons, as announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

May 21, 2024

Diplomatic Collisions on the Nuclear Front: Global Nervousness over Russia's Nuclear Maneuvers

Increasing tensions and recent developments regarding nuclear exercises and rhetoric pose a number of challenges for Europe, European security and especially Austria as the home of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

May 6, 2024

IAEA Chief Grossi Criticizes Iran: Restriction of Nuclear Inspections and Global Nuclear Security

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its director Rafael Grossi are in a growing conflict with Iran over the monitoring of Iran's nuclear program. Tehran's recent decision to withdraw the accreditation of several IAEA inspectors has caused considerable concern.

November 22, 2023

Potential Consequences of a Russian Nuclear Test

In a recent development, Russia is on the brink of withdrawing its support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This decision has sparked intense discussions about the potential for Russia to conduct a nuclear test, creating significant ripples in the global security landscape. The prospect of Russia conducting such a test has prompted deep concerns among experts and policymakers.

October 17, 2023

Russia Reconsiders Nuclear Weapons Test Ban: CTBTO Expresses Concerns

In a recent development, Russia is preparing to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). However, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Russia will only conduct a nuclear test if the United States does likewise. Russia signed the CTBT in 1996 and ratified it in 2000.

October 10, 2023

International Day Against Nuclear Tests: Pressure on Key States Grows

The International Day Against Nuclear Testing is a global action established by the UN General Assembly in 2009. This day aims to draw attention to the "devastating and harmful effects" that nuclear testing has on people and the environment. The UN, represented by the Secretary-General, and international actors such as Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg are increasing pressure on so-called key states to finally ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

August 29, 2023

Austria Against Faith in Nuclear Deterrence

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg stresses the urgency of nuclear disarmament. The terrible effects and the immeasurable human suffering caused by nuclear weapons must continue to be raised awareness.

August 6, 2023

Schallenberg Condemns Russia and Shows Support for Ukraine in OSCE Speech

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg held a speech at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) sharply condemning Russia and reassuring the ongoing support for Ukraine.

February 26, 2023

Schallenberg Warns About Nuclear Weapons on the Anniversary of the TPNW

On the second anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg gave strong warnings about the threats and use of nuclear weapons.

January 22, 2023

North Korea Sets Missile Test on Purposeful Escalation with the West and the IAEA

The provocation on the part of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, which has been going on for years, is becoming more and more intense. In recent weeks alone, a large number of missiles have been fired at both the east and west coasts. The International Atomic Energy Agency fears that North Korea's nuclear program is moving forward.

November 20, 2022

International Atomic Energy Agency and its 66th General Conference

Many issues were discussed at the 66th General Conference of the IAEA, held in Vienna. The theme of "Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field" focused not only on nuclear security, the future of nuclear technologies, and the role of the IAEA but also on global nuclear security issues, such as Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs as well as recent Russian nuclear threats.

October 1, 2022

Weekly Briefing: 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The Find out more about this week's developments. Diplomacy is working at full speed and is already preparing exciting glimpses of the fall. The IAEA is holding its 66th General Conference and there are new economic developments in Austria. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.

September 29, 2022

Opening of the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The 66th IAEA General Conference is taking place at the Agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 26-30 September. Representatives from the IAEA’s 175 Member States are convening at the conference in Vienna. Under the theme "Global Cooperation in the Nuclear Field," the focus is not only on nuclear security and the role of the IAEA but also on Iran's buildup of highly enriched uranium stockpiles as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the accompanying nuclear threats from Russia.

September 26, 2022

UN in Vienna Celebrates the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

On the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, the United Nations draws attention to the important issue of nuclear disarmament. The day, which has been celebrated since 2014, is intended to raise awareness of the enormous international stockpiles of nuclear weapons and to make member states aware of the importance of joint disarmament.

September 26, 2022

Hiroshima Memorial Day: Austria Advocates Nuclear Dismantlement

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has once again called on the major international powers to reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapons. The occasion was the anniversary of the nuclear weapons dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

August 5, 2022

UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference in New York

The UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty tenth review conference is held in New York after a two-year delay caused by the CoV pandemic. Even before Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament had stalled. Now, reducing the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide is becoming even more difficult.

August 1, 2022

First Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Vienna

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons wants to ban the possession of Nuclear Weapons in the world. Member states of the treaty met today in Vienna for the first time to convene about further developments.

June 21, 2022