Yea... Loser...

Putin suspends participation in key nuclear arms treaty

‘I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation,’ Russian leader says.

BY LILI BAYER

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that he is suspending Moscow’s participation in the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States.

Russia will halt its participation in the New START Treaty, Putin announced in a lengthy speech to his country’s parliament.

“I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty,” he said.

The U.S. recently raised concerns that Russia is not complying with provisions of the treaty, designed to place limits on strategic offensive arms.

The agreement — formally called the treaty between the U.S. and Russia on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms — originally entered into force in 2011, and includes limitations on systems such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and nuclear warheads on deployed ICBMs. The deal also includes processes for verification. 

Earlier this month, NATO called on the Kremlin to stick to its commitments. 

“NATO Allies agree the New START Treaty contributes to international stability by constraining Russian and U.S. strategic nuclear forces,” allies said in a statement. 

“Russia’s refusal to convene a session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) within the treaty-established timeframe, and to facilitate U.S. inspection activities on its territory since August 2022 prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the Treaty,” the allies said. 

“We call on Russia,” the allies added, “to fulfil its obligations.” 

On Tuesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he regrets Russia’s decision.

“Over the last years, Russia has violated and walked away from key arms control agreements,” he said at a press conference.

“With today’s decision on New START, the whole arms control architecture has been dismantled,” the NATO chief added. “I strongly encourage Russia to reconsider its decision and to respect existing agreements.” 

The U.S.’ top diplomat also condemned Putin’s move.

“Russia’s announcement that it is suspending its participation in New Start is very disappointing and irresponsible,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. “But of course we remain ready to discuss the limitation of strategic arms at any time with Russia regardless of anything that happens in the world or in our relations.”