Brussels: NATO allies have stated that they would suspend their operations in retaliation to Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, a key post-Cold War agreement.
Russia officially withdrew from the security treaty, which restricted important categories of conventional armed troops, and accused the US for undermining post-Cold War security by expanding NATO.
“Allies condemn Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), and its war of aggression against Ukraine which is contrary to the Treaty’s objectives,” NATO said in a statement.
The Russian move was its latest action that systematically undermined Euro-Atlantic security, NATO remarked.
“Therefore, as a consequence, Allied States Parties intend to suspend the operation of the CFE Treaty for as long as necessary, in accordance with their rights under international law. This is a decision fully supported by all NATO Allies,” it added.
Russia suspended participation in the treaty in 2007 and halted active participation in 2015. The US said that it would suspend treaty obligations effective December 7.
According to White House national security adviser Mr. Jake Sullivan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its exit from the treaty “fundamentally altered” the circumstances around it and transformed participants’ obligations.
Mr. Sullivan stated that despite Moscow’s continued disregard for arms control, the US and its allies will remain committed to effective conventional arms control.
Mr. Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s ambassador to the US, pointed out that shifting responsibility for the destruction of international security architecture was a “favourite practice” of Washington.
TOP PICKS | WeWork files for bankruptcy in US as value plummets
