"Nuclear Deterrence: Hiroshima's Anniversary Reminds Us of the Folly and Urgency for Disarmament"

On the 78th anniversary of the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the mayor called for the abolition of nuclear weapons and criticized the notion of nuclear deterrence. The outdoor memorial ceremony, attended by about 50,000 participants including survivors, observed a moment of silence. The commemoration comes as Russian officials discuss the use of nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine, although Western authorities have found no evidence of such preparations. The Japanese prime minister acknowledged the challenges in achieving a world without nuclear weapons, citing Russia's threats, but emphasized the importance of international momentum towards disarmament. The UN secretary general expressed support, urging more world leaders to visit Hiroshima and take up the cause of nuclear disarmament. The bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 resulted in thousands of immediate deaths and around 140,000 by the end of the year.