Russia Scraps Moratorium on Intermediate-Range Nuclear-Capable Missiles

Russia’s Decision Amid Fears of a New Arms Race

Russia has decided to scrap its moratorium on the deployment of intermediate and shorter range nuclear-capable missiles due to the United States’ deployment of such weapons in various regions around the world. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made this announcement on Sunday.

Background of the INF Treaty

The intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) Treaty, signed by Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan in 1987, was a significant arms control treaty that aimed to reduce the risk of nuclear war and slow down the arms race. The treaty eliminated a whole category of nuclear weapons and marked the first time the superpowers agreed to reduce their nuclear arsenals.

US Withdrawal from the INF Treaty

The US, during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term, formally withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, citing Russia’s alleged violations of the accord. However, the Kremlin repeatedly denied these allegations and dismissed them as a pretext.

Russia’s Moratorium Proposal

In response to the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Russia imposed a moratorium on its own development of missiles previously banned by the treaty, including ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500km to 5,500km. However, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, stated that the moratorium is no longer viable and will have to be abandoned.

Russia’s Reasons for Scrapping the Moratorium

Lavrov stated that the US has “arrogantly ignored the warnings of Russia and China” and has deployed intermediate-range missiles in various regions around the world. He added that Russia has “no conditions” for a strategic dialogue with Washington and that the US has moved on to deploying weapons of this class in various regions of the world.

Concerns Over a New Arms Race

The decision by Russia to scrap its moratorium on intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles has raised concerns about the possibility of a new arms race between Russia and the US, potentially involving China as well. This move could lead to a destabilizing escalation of nuclear tensions and a renewed focus on military capabilities rather than diplomatic dialogue.

Conclusion

Russia’s decision to scrap its moratorium on intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles is a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for global security. The US withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019 has created a power vacuum that has been filled by Russia’s move. The situation is now characterized by a lack of trust and a focus on military capabilities rather than diplomatic dialogue.

FAQs

Q: Why did Russia decide to scrap its moratorium on intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles?

A: Russia decided to scrap its moratorium because the US has deployed intermediate-range missiles in various regions around the world, ignoring warnings from Russia and China.

Q: What does this mean for global security?

A: The decision could lead to a new arms race between Russia and the US, potentially involving China, and a renewed focus on military capabilities rather than diplomatic dialogue, which could destabilize global security.

Q: What was the INF Treaty?

A: The INF Treaty was a significant arms control treaty signed by Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan in 1987 that eliminated a whole category of nuclear weapons and reduced the risk of nuclear war.