Russian President Vladimir Putin has pointed out that the country’s new weapons significantly increase the potential of Russia’s army and navy, also adding to the balance of forces and global stability.
The strengthening of defence capabilities and protection from external threats remain Russia’s key challenges, according to President Vladimir Putin.
He also made it plain that nothing stands in the way of negotiations for other countries to join the INF Treaty, and that Russia could easily create land-based intermediate range missiles in response to Washington possibly scrapping the document. He noted that Russia’s new rockets do not violate the INF Treaty, suggesting that the US’ exit could be caused by fears that Russia has an array of sea-based and air-based missiles.
In early December, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States would suspend its adherence to the INF Treaty within 60 days unless Russia returned to full compliance with the agreement.
Moscow has repeatedly rejected US allegations that Russia has violated the INF treaty. In turn, Moscow has complained that launchers on US defence systems in Europe could fire cruise missiles at ranges that violate the INF’s terms