NEW YORK: The 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons concluded on May 22 without adopting a final outcome document, reflecting deep divisions among member states over global security, disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.

The four-week conference, chaired by Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Do Hung Viet, was held in New York at a time of worsening regional and international security tensions. According to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued on May 23, disagreements among state parties shaped both the debate and the final outcome of the meeting.

Moscow said the conference was affected by disputes over recent military actions against Iran, differences over the role of Western countries in nuclear-related practices, and wider disagreements involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the United States and its allies of adopting a hard line that prevented consensus on several unresolved issues. It said the chair had prepared a draft outcome document that came close to being adopted, but the text was not submitted for approval because key differences remained.

Russia also criticised European Union and NATO member states, saying they used the conference to advance political positions unrelated to the treaty’s core objectives. Western countries, meanwhile, have repeatedly raised concerns over nuclear risks, arms control and regional security challenges in international forums.

The NPT, which entered into force in 1970, is considered a central pillar of the global nuclear order. It is built around three main objectives: preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, advancing nuclear disarmament, and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Although the conference ended without a consensus document, Russia said the failure did not undermine the treaty’s relevance. The ministry said the NPT remains a cornerstone of international security and nuclear non-proliferation, adding that the holding of the review conference itself was significant.

The outcome highlights the growing difficulty of reaching agreement on nuclear issues at a time when major powers remain divided over conflicts, military alliances and the future of arms control.

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