Putin announces suspension of implementation of medium-range missile treaty


Russian President Vladimir Putin 20190202 stated that Russia will suspend its obligations under the Medium-Range Missile Treaty and respond to the same decision announced by the United States one day ago. On the same day, Russian television broadcasted a tripartite meeting between Putin and the Russian Foreign Minister and Defense Minister. Putin said at the meeting that Russia no longer negotiates with the United States on restricting nuclear weapons.


The United States announced the suspension of the US-China missile treaty obligations signed with Russia the day before (February 1), and will officially start the exit procedure on February 2. President Trump's statement on the White House website said that Russia has long violated the medium-range missile treaty with impunity and developed and deployed a missile system that was banned from direct threats to the United States and its allies. The statement said, "Unless Russia re-complies with the treaty and destroys all missiles, launchers and related equipment that violate the provisions of the treaty, the (exit) procedure will be completed within six months."


However, Russia has always insisted that it does not violate the medium-range missile treaty. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov reiterated today's allegations by Russia that Washington has been violating this treaty for many years. Putin said at the meeting that Russia will seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said about similar practices in the United States. However, he told the two ministers present that Russia "will not be involved in the costly new arms race."

According to a report by the Russian Satellite News Agency on February 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Zaharova said that the United States has not yet submitted evidence of Russia's violation of the medium-range missile treaty.


European leaders expressed concern about the consequences of the treaty's suspension and called on Russia to resolve the issue before the US officially withdrew in August.


The Medium-Range Missile Treaty, signed in 1987, prohibits the manufacture, testing, and deployment of land-based cruise missiles and ballistic missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.