Latest news with #INFTreaty
Boston Globe
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Russia says it will stop abiding by missile treaty
The US Defense Department did not immediately comment on the Foreign Ministry's statement Monday. The 1987 pact, also known as the INF Treaty, banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (311 to 3,418 miles). As a result, more than 2,600 Soviet and US missiles were eliminated, in what was seen as a Cold War breakthrough. In 2019, during President Trump's first term, the United States pulled out of the agreement. The Trump administration argued that Russia had long been violating the treaty with the deployment of 9M729 cruise missiles, also known as SSC-8 missiles. Russia denied any knowledge of the violations. Advertisement Accusations of Russian violations date to 2014, when the Obama administration raised them. Moscow's announcement Monday came three days after Trump ordered the repositioning of two US nuclear submarines in response to a nuclear threat made online by Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is deputy chair of the country's security council. In a post on social media platform X later Monday, Medvedev highlighted the Foreign Ministry's announcement, which he blamed on what he called the anti-Russia policy of NATO countries, and he warned, 'Expect further steps.' Advertisement The ministry's statement did not mention Moscow's use in November of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile against a city in Ukraine. The Oreshnik has a range that violates the INF Treaty. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Friday that the Oreshnik had entered service and would be deployed to Belarus, which shares a border with three NATO countries. The missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Last year, the United States announced that Washington would begin 'episodic deployments' of intermediate-range missiles in Germany starting in 2026. Russia vowed countermeasures. The announced collapse of the INF Treaty and tensions with Russia over Ukraine have raised worries in the West of a return to a dangerous Cold War-style arms race, in which extremely fast Russian missiles armed with nuclear weapons could reach European capitals in a matter of minutes, with little warning or ability to mount a defense. Russian news media have bragged that the Oreshnik could reach Ramstein Air Base in Germany in just 15 minutes. Upon withdrawing from the INF Treaty, the United States said that, essentially, Washington had been adhering to the pact's restrictions unilaterally. By then, the Pentagon had grown uncomfortable with the treaty's limits. Adhering to the pact meant the United States could not deploy any midrange missiles in Asia, which would be a crucial part of any effort to defend Taiwan, the self-governing island that China has long claimed as its own. In its statement Monday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said that as the United States and its allies were moving toward the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe and Asia, conditions for what it called its 'unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons' were no longer in place. Advertisement The statement came as Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, prepared to visit Moscow this week to discuss possibilities for peace with Ukraine. Trump has threatened to apply tariffs on Russia and secondary tariffs on its oil buyers if Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire by the end of the week. The Kremlin has refrained from issuing threats in response, in contrast to the remarks by Medvedev, who regularly makes bombastic comments online and isn't seen as speaking for Putin. On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov played down Trump's decision to reposition submarines. 'Russia treats the issue of nuclear nonproliferation with great care, and we believe everyone should be extremely cautious with nuclear rhetoric,' Peskov told reporters. He noted that US submarines were regularly on combat duty. 'We don't believe this is a case of any sort of escalation,' he said. The only major arms control agreement left in place between Moscow and Washington is the New START Treaty, but Putin announced in 2023 that Russia was suspending its participation in that pact. The treaty expires next year. Phil Breedlove, a retired US Air Force general who led US European Command from 2013-16, said he wasn't surprised that Russia had announced the move shortly after Trump threatened to get tough on Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine. 'This is a fairly standard approach Russia takes when they're trying to deter or intimidate the West,' Breedlove said. 'Every time the West considers a change, like giving new weapons to Ukraine, this is what happens.' Advertisement
Economic Times
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
World War 3 Near? Russia ends nuclear limits as Putin signals Cold War-style arms race with West
Russia has declared it will no longer limit its nuclear missile deployment. This comes after the US planned to station new missiles in Germany. President Vladimir Putin and top officials warned of retaliatory steps, raising fears of a new Cold War-era arms race with advanced weapons and reduced response times. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Russia Responds to US Missile Plans Kremlin Declares End to Nuclear Restraint Putin Prepares New Oreshnik Missile Deployment Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Missile's Impact Could Blur War Lines Trump's Role and Medvedev's Reaction Return of Cold War Missile Tensions Risks of Escalation Increase FAQs This announcement follows the United States' plans to deploy new intermediate-range weapons in Europe. The move marks a shift in global nuclear strategy and has raised concerns about a renewed Cold War-style arms Russian Foreign Ministry accused the United States and its NATO allies of creating a direct threat to its national security. The trigger is the planned deployment of US-made Typhoon and Dark Eagle missiles in Germany starting in 2026. These intermediate-range weapons have been a point of contention since the collapse of the INF Treaty in spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia no longer considers itself bound by any previous arms control limits. He said Russia has the right to take appropriate steps if needed. According to Russian officials, the deployment of US missiles in Europe has broken the remaining stability between nuclear is preparing to deploy the Oreshnik missile, which can travel at Mach 10 and carry either nuclear or conventional warheads. This missile was first used in Ukraine in November. It is now being readied for deployment in Belarus. President Vladimir Putin has claimed that even conventional strikes using this missile could cause destruction comparable to nuclear Oreshnik missile's use suggests a new gray zone in warfare. While it may not carry nuclear warheads, its destructive potential could resemble that of a nuclear weapon. This tactic could lead to confusion about whether a nuclear strike has occurred, further complicating international Russian declaration comes shortly after Donald Trump repositioned two US nuclear submarines in response to nuclear threats from Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Security Council deputy chairman. Trump has demanded a peace deal on Ukraine or warned of new sanctions. Medvedev responded that each new ultimatum was a step toward war. He also posted that Russia's end of its missile moratorium is a direct answer to NATO's missiles, banned under the 1987 INF Treaty, are now being considered again by both sides. The United States claimed Russia violated the treaty first. In contrast, Russia said its actions are in response to US missile placements in warn that intermediate-range missiles reduce decision-making time to just a few minutes. This increases the risk of mistakes, as world leaders may misinterpret incoming threats and respond without full information. The breakdown of arms control increases global said it will no longer follow past nuclear limits and may deploy its own missiles in reaction to US weapons moving into Oreshnik is a fast missile that can carry nuclear or conventional warheads. It is being prepared for deployment in Belarus.
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First Post
05-08-2025
- Politics
- First Post
What is the nuclear treaty Russia has exited after Trump's submarine move? Why does it matter?
Russia has said that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the treaty it signed with the United States decades ago. Moscow in a statement said it made the decision due to the actions of Western countries, which it claimed had created a direct threat to its security. But what do we know about the treaty? Why does it matter? read more Photo of President Vladimir Putin released by the Kremlin Russia has announced that it is leaving the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Moscow has said that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the treaty it signed with Washington decades ago. Russia in a statement said it made the decision due to the actions of Western countries, which it claimed had created a direct threat to its security. Russia said the conditions for adhering to the treaty had disappeared. It said it thus 'no longer considers itself bound' by the 'previously adopted self-restrictions'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'West's build-up of destabilising missile potentials create a direct threat to security of our country,' Russia said in statement. But what do we know about the INF Treaty? What does Russia's exit mean? Let's take a closer look: The INF Treaty The treaty was signed between the United States and the then Soviet Union in 1987. The treaty witnessed both countries agreeing to tamp down on intermediate and medium range land missiles that could carry nuclear warheads. The origins of the treaty go back to the 1970s when the US was calling for arms control with regard to intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs). This came after the Soviet Union began to deploy the SS-20 intermediate-range missiles domestically. These SS-20s, which could hold three nuclear warheads, allow the Soviet Union to hit Western Europe within 10 minutes. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) responded to the Soviet Union by both pushing arms control. It also called on the US to deploy its own ground-launched cruise missiles and the Pershing II IRBMs to counter Russia. Negotiations for the treaty began in 1980s. However, little progress was made in the early part of that decade. However, things began to change after Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985. That year, the Soviet Union suggested keeping the number of SS-20 missiles and the Nato and US' missiles in Europe at a parity – to which Washington listened. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By 1986, talks had expanded to include all US and Soviet missiles across the globe. Gorbachev and then President Ronald Reagan then began signalling the signing of a treaty. Ronald Reagan signed the treaty with Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev X/@ChineseEmbinUS On December 8, 1987, Reagan and Gorbachev signed the treaty in Washington DC. In 1988, it was ratified by the two countries. The INF Treaty took effect on June 1, 1988. The treaty defined shorter-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) as those having ranges from 500 kilometers to 1,000 kilometers and intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) as those with ranges from 1,000 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers. It called over 2,600 of them to be done away with, over half of which were deployed when the treaty was signed, by June 1, 1991. This was a landmark pact for several reasons. It was the first time the two superpowers had agreed to arms control when it came to their nuclear arsenals. The country is also agreed to do away with a specific type of nuclear weapon. The treaty also called for on-site inspection of the missiles being destroyed, which was yet another major first. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was seen a massive thaw in the ongoing Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. Around two-thirds of the missiles destroyed belonged to the Soviets, while the rest were from the US. While the two countries were allowed to keep the warheads and guidance systems, missile launchers and other types of equipment were destroyed. INF Treaty in modern times The treaty has been the cause of much back and forth between Russia and the United States in modern times. Russia in particular has been unhappy with the terms set forth under the treaty – particularly with China making strides when it comes to missiles. In July 2014, the then Obama administration in its compliance report accused Russia of violating the treaty. Washington claimed Moscow had violated the terms which stated it was 'not to possess, produce, or flight-test' a ground-launched cruise missile having a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers or 'to possess or produce launchers of such missiles'. Then, in 2017, US officials claimed that Russia had deployed a non-compliant cruise missile. On March 8, 2017, General Paul Selva, the then Vice-Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed the development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US accused Russia of 'violating the spirit and intent' of the INF Treaty. Russia has rebuffed such allegations and in turn accused the United States of violating the treaty. In December 2017, the first Trump administration announced it would be developing a conventional, road-mobile, intermediate-range missile system to counter Russia. Nearly a year later, in October 2018, Trump announced he would be 'terminating' the treaty. Trump blamed Russia and China's efforts at developing intermediate-range missiles arsenal. In December 2018, then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States found Russia in 'material breach' of the treaty. Pompeo said the US would suspend its treaty obligations in 60 days if Russia refused to comply. In February 2019, the Trump administration announced it was suspending its obligations and that it would leave the treaty in six months. Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country would also suspend its obligations. In August 2019, the United States formally withdrew from the INF Treaty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what happened now? The decision came just days after Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be 'repositioned in the appropriate regions'. Dmitri Medvedev is a former President and Prime Minister of Russia. Reuters/File Photo 'Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions,' Trump wrote on social media. 'Just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.' 'Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances,' he added. 'Thank you for your attention to this matter!' This came after former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of the country's security council, made a nuclear threat against America. Russia also cited the US deploying a Typhon missile launcher in the Philippines and missile firings during the Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia as reasons behind its decision. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps', Medvedev wrote on social media in the aftermath of Russia's announcement. What do experts say? Experts aren't surprised by this development. Phil Breedlove, a retired US Air Force general told The New York Times, 'This is a fairly standard approach Russia takes when they're trying to deter or intimidate the West'. 'Every time the West considers a change, like giving new weapons to Ukraine, this is what happens', Breedlove, who headed up US European Command from 2013 to 2016, added. Some have expressed concern to a return to the bad old days of the Cold War, where each side lived in fear of what the other could do. They point to the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, which Russia deployed against a Ukrainian city in November. The Oreshnik's range that violates the INF Treaty. Putin last week said the nuclear-capable Oreshnik will be placed in Belarus – which borders three Nato nations. Russian media has claimed that the weapon could take out European capitals in 15 minutes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US last year said it would start 'episodic deployments' of intermediate-range missiles in Germany from 2026. This leaves New Start, which expires in 2026, as the only major arms control treaty between the two countries. Putin in 2023 said Russia would no longer participate in New Start. What will happen next? No one is quite sure, but watchers are playing close attention.
Mint
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Russia exits nuclear treaty with US: Who's threatened, is a new power standoff emerging? All you need to know
In a dramatic escalation of tensions with the United States, Russia has formally declared it will no longer honour self-imposed limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signalling a renewed push to deploy short- and intermediate-range nuclear missiles. The development, confirmed on Tuesday by the Russian Foreign Ministry, comes amidst rising geopolitical friction — fuelled by sanctions, nuclear posturing, and a heated standoff over global oil trade. Here's a breakdown of what this means, who it affects, and why the world is watching closely. Russia's decision follows a sharp uptick in nuclear rhetoric and military manoeuvring from both sides. In a strongly worded statement, Moscow said it 'no longer considers itself bound' by its 'previously adopted self-restrictions' under the INF Treaty. The Kremlin cited the United States' own actions, particularly the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe and Asia, as justification. The Russian Foreign Ministry also pointed to recent political tensions and military threats from Washington, including the stationing of American nuclear submarines in undisclosed locations. These moves, Moscow claims, undermine the spirit of mutual restraint that once defined the landmark treaty. The primary countries threatened by Russia's recent exit from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with the United States are the NATO member states in Europe, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia's withdrawal and its intention to redeploy such missiles raise the threat level for European countries that lie in missile range, including NATO allies bordering Russia. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region faces increased risk due to reports of U.S. plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles in places like the Philippines and Germany, which Russia views as hostile moves. Moscow has pointed specifically to these deployments, along with NATO's stance, as justifications for ending its self-imposed moratorium on missile deployment, arguing that such actions threaten Russian national security. Signed in 1987 between the United States and the former Soviet Union, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a cornerstone of Cold War arms control. It eliminated an entire class of nuclear-capable missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres, drastically reducing the risk of a fast-escalating nuclear conflict in Europe. However, the treaty began to unravel when the US withdrew in 2019, citing alleged Russian violations. At the time, Moscow responded by pledging not to deploy such missiles unless the US did so first — a promise it has officially revoked in 2025. Tensions reached a boiling point last week when US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new sanctions on Russia. These included threats to penalise countries, including India and China, that continue to purchase Russian oil. Donald Trump set an August 8 deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning of broader consequences if the Kremlin failed to comply. He also revealed that two US nuclear submarines had been repositioned for combat readiness. In response, Russian officials warned of the dangers of escalating nuclear brinkmanship. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged all parties to be 'very, very careful' with nuclear rhetoric. India finds itself in Washington's crosshairs over its continued import of Russian crude oil. The US recently announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and hinted at further penalties for New Delhi's defence and energy ties with Moscow. New Delhi hit back, calling the measures 'unjustified and unreasonable'. In a strongly worded statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) vowed to take 'all necessary measures' to protect the country's economic security and national interest. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing a public event, underlined India's support for a 'fair global order' — one not dominated by a few powers. He also noted the hypocrisy of the West, pointing out that the US and EU continue to import certain commodities from Russia, even as they criticise others for doing the same. Since the European Union banned most Russian oil imports in January 2023, trade routes have dramatically shifted eastwards. According to reports by the Associated Press, China, India, and Turkey have emerged as the top buyers of Russian energy exports. China leads the list, having imported approximately $219.5 billion worth of Russian oil, gas, and coal. India follows with $133.4 billion, while Turkey has imported around $90.3 billion. India's imports from Russia rose from less than 1 per cent before the Ukraine war to over 35–40 per cent of total oil purchases today. This shift was partly encouraged by Western powers early in the conflict, as a means to maintain global supply and stabilise prices — a stance now being conveniently reversed. Russia's exit from the INF Treaty and its renewed missile ambitions have rekindled fears of a Cold War-style arms race. The mutual deployment of nuclear-capable assets, tit-for-tat sanctions, and rising distrust between global superpowers suggest that the post-Cold War era of strategic cooperation may be unraveling. Experts warn that without a framework like the INF to manage military escalation, the world faces a higher risk of miscalculation and conflict. The lack of direct communication channels between Washington and Moscow, paired with rising regional tensions in Asia, only adds to the uncertainty. As the 8 August ceasefire deadline approaches, all eyes are on Moscow. Whether President Putin will respond to Trump's ultimatum remains to be seen. Meanwhile, India, China, and other key global players may find themselves caught in the crossfire of a deepening US-Russia confrontation. For now, the collapse of yet another nuclear treaty signals a more dangerous, unstable world — one where deterrence may once again be determined not by diplomacy, but by the presence of missiles on hair-trigger alert.
Economic Times
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Putin's revenge? Russia quits Cold War nuke pact after Trump sends submarines to Europe
Tensions explode as Russia formally withdraws from the INF Treaty after the US, under Trump, deploys nuclear-capable submarines in Europe. The Cold War-era pact had kept nuclear escalation in check for decades. With both sides accusing each other of violations, a dangerous arms race is back on the table. What does this mean for global security? Watch this explosive breakdown of Putin's response and Trump's strategy. Show more 08:02 03:01 04:38 03:09 07:24 04:35 03:55 07:12 09:53 08:04 10:39 08:12 08:03 08:09 08:35 12:26 08:14 02:36 03:09 04:57 03:45 03:02 03:16 02:07 12:10 01:20 02:39 10:00 08:21 02:00 04:34 03:39
