US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Tuesday that they have given 60 days to Russia to fulfill their obligations under the INF Treaty.
Speaking after the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, US Secretary of State Pompeo has announced that it has given 60 days to Russia to fulfill its obligations under the INF Treaty.
"In light of these facts, the United States today declares it has found Russia in material breach of the treaty and will suspend our obligations as a remedy effective in 60 days unless Russia returns to full and verifiable compliance," Pompeo said.
Under the terms of the INF treaty, the US would have to give six months' notice of withdrawal. That period would only start at the beginning of February, in 60 days' time, Pompeo said. Meanwhile, the US would simply declare itself no longer bound by the treaty in view of Russia's alleged material breach.
"The six-month period will begin to run 60 days from now," Pompeo said. "During the 60 days, we will still not test or produce or deploy any systems, and we'll see what happens during this 60-day period."
NATO accuses Russia testing "nuclear missile"
On the other hand, NATO said in a statement that Russia is developing missiles that threaten the security of Europe.
"Allies have concluded that Russia has developed and fielded a missile system, the 9M729, which violates the INF Treaty and poses significant risks to Euro-Atlantic security," said NATO in a written statement.
Calling on Russia, NATO asked Russia to return urgently to full and verifiable compliance.
ILKHA