Russia announced on Tuesday that it is planning to develop new missile systems after both Russia and the US suspended the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Russia announced on Tuesday that it is planning to develop new missile systems after both Russia and the US suspended the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the aim was to create new land-based missiles within the next two years. Last week, US President Donald Trump declared that the US would leave the pact, which it has long accused the Russians of violating.
Trump also expressed concern at the threat posed by countries outside the INF. US Withdrawal from treaty have raised concerns about a new arms race as the arms control pact banned both countries from using short- and medium-range missiles, except sea-launched weapons. The US has long accused Russia of several violations, including claims that a new Russian missile falls within the range banned by the treaty.
Meanwhile, Russians accused Washington of using false allegations as a pretext to withdraw from an agreement it never wanted to be part of. The U.S.’s withdrawal from the treaty now threatens to kick-start a new arms race. This retrograde move on Trump Administration’s part could complicate global nuclear politics and threaten world peace for years to come.