Russia claims that it will ‘respond in kind’ if America quits the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty, which could result in the first nuclear arms race since the end of the cold war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Donald Trump’s threats to quit the treaty on Saturday; he stated that America is in danger of making the world a more volatile place.
Further, Peskov claimed that Russia would be forced to act ‘to restore the balance of military power.’
‘This is a question of strategic security. Such measures can make the world more dangerous,’ he said.
‘It means that the United States is not disguising, but is openly starting to develop these systems in the future.
‘If these systems are being developed, then actions are necessary from other countries, in this case, Russia, to restore balance in this sphere.’
‘President Putin had repeatedly said that the demise of the treaty would force Russia to take specific steps to protect its own security.’
President Trump said that he would end the treaty which was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987.
The treaty in question was instrumental in bringing about the close of the cold war because it banned either country from developing short or medium-range missiles.
In the past, America has accused Russia of breaching the treaty by creating a missile which is capable of an estimated range of 3,000 miles.
However, according to Peskov, America has yet to give official notice regarding their desire to quit the treaty, in fact, John Bolton the Senior National Security Advisor is expected to discuss the topic with officials in Moscow.
Furthermore, if America does decide to leave the treaty, there is a six month cooling off period, which disallows either country from developing newer short to medium range nuclear missile technology.
‘Putin has said many times said the United States de facto is taking measures that are eroding the conditions of this treaty,’ said Peskov, referring to strike drones and anti-missile systems capable of destroying short and intermediate-range rockets.
President Trump on Saturday stated regarding the matter that; “Russia has violated the agreement. They’ve been violating it for many years.”
“We’re the ones that have stayed in the agreement, and we’ve honored the agreement. But Russia has not, unfortunately, honored the agreement. So we’re going to terminate the agreement. We’re going to pull out.”
