BFF-28 NATO prepares ‘defensive’ response to Russia arms treaty breach

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NATO prepares ‘defensive’ response to Russia arms treaty breach

BRUSSELS, June 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – NATO will this week decide how to
respond to Russia’s violation of a key Cold War arms treaty, alliance chief
Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday, insisting any measures would be defensive.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty is expected to formally
collapse on August 2 after both Russia and the US pulled out, dealing a blow
to international arms control efforts.

Stoltenberg said there was “no indication” the Kremlin was prepared to
destroy a missile system the West says breaches the INF and so NATO defence
ministers will use talks on Wednesday and Thursday to agree countermeasures.

“Our response will be defensive, measured and coordinated. We will not
mirror what Russia does,” Stoltenberg told reporters, saying NATO did not
intend to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe.

“We do not want a new arms race, but as Russia is deploying new missiles,
we must ensure that our deterrence and defence remains credible and
effective.”

After years of complaining to Russia about the 9M729 ground-launched cruise
missile system, the US announced in February it would pull out of the INF in
August unless Moscow backed down.

NATO’s 29 allies have unanimously backed Washington’s assessment that the
nuclear-capable missile violates the 1987 treaty, which banned ground
launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (300 to 3,400
miles).

Diplomats say that rather than simply agreeing with the US, several allies
have carried out their own independent investigation and reached the same
conclusion themselves.

A meeting of the NATO-Russia Council has been called next week as a last-
ditch bid to persuade Moscow to abandon the missiles and save the treaty.

“We call on Russia to take the responsible path,” Stoltenberg said.

“But unfortunately, we have seen no indication that Russia intends to do
so. In fact, it continues to develop and field the new missiles.”

After long denying the existence of the missile system, Russia now insists
it complies with the INF and accuses the US in turn of violating the accord.

BSS/AFP/RY/1748 hrs