Russia Abandons Moratorium on Medium- and Short-Range Missiles

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared that it is no longer bound by its previous self-imposed limitations on the deployment of medium- and short-range ground-based missiles. The ministry emphasized that the rationale for upholding a unilateral moratorium on such military systems under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty has dissipated.

The foreign ministry pointed out that actions taken by Western nations have contributed to an increase in missile capabilities in areas bordering Russia, which it views as a direct threat to its strategic security. The treaty, established as an arms control agreement between the US and the Soviet Union, saw the United States withdraw in 2019, alleging that Russia was not adhering to its terms. In response, Russia suspended its participation in the treaty and implemented a moratorium, contingent on similar action from the US, which will no longer be observed.