Russia has announced its intention to stop abiding by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a pact that expired in 2019. The United States has accused Russia of repeatedly violating the agreement for over a decade, citing the deployment of intermediate-range ballistic missiles. President Vladimir V. Putin stated that such missiles would be deployed to Belarus, a move he claims is necessary for national security.
The INF Treaty, which banned the development and deployment of ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, was signed in 1987 during the Cold War. Russia and the U.S. had previously accused each other of violating the treaty. However, Russia’s recent announcement signals a significant escalation in the tensions between the two global powers.
Deploying intermediate-range missiles to Belarus, which shares a border with three NATO countries, could lead to increased military confrontation in the region. Putin’s statement has raised concerns among NATO allies, who fear the potential for an arms race and heightened hostilities. The situation underscores the continued geopolitical rivalry between Russia and the West, with implications for global security and international relations.
Analysts suggest that the INF Treaty’s collapse may lead to a new arms race, with both Russia and the U.S. increasing their nuclear arsenals. The situation also highlights the broader implications for international security and the potential for further destabilization in Europe and beyond. The international community is closely monitoring the developments as they could have far-reaching consequences for global stability.