Russia in 'material breach' of nuclear arms treaty: NATO statement

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

WORLD NEWS DECEMBER 4, 2018 / 12:36 PM / UPDATED 16 MINUTES AGO

Russia in 'material breach' of nuclear arms treaty: NATO statement

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO formally accused Russia on Tuesday of breaching the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which rid Europe of land-based nuclear missiles, issuing a statement that supported U.S. accusations of Russian violations.

“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,” NATO foreign ministers said in a statement after a meeting.

“We strongly support the finding of the United States that Russia is in material breach of its obligations under the INF Treaty,” the statement said.

Reporting by Robin Emmott; editing by Philip Blenkinsop

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nato-russia/russia-in-material-breach-of-nuclear-arms-treaty-nato-statement-idUSKBN1O3279

[defacto7]

1. Why did I see that coming? n/t

[nitpicker]

2. More from DW

https://www.dw.com/en/russia-denies-it-is-violating-nuclear-arms-treaty/a-46592611

Russia denies it is violating nuclear arms treaty

Date 05.12.2018

The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed US claims that Russia is violating a major Cold War treaty that limits mid-range nuclear arms, from which Washington is planning to withdraw.

"Groundless accusations are again being repeated," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared Russia in "material breach" of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. "No proof has been produced to support this American position," Zakharova said.
(snip)

At a meeting with fellow NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday, Pompeo said that the US would withdraw from the deal within 60 days if Moscow does not dismantle missiles that Washington says violate it. NATO said it was now "up to Russia" to save the treaty.
(snip)