The US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty took effect on 2 August following the six-month notice given in February, the State Department has announced in a press release.
The US and NATO put the blame for the withdrawal squarely on Russia. The State Department said, “Russia failed to return to full and verified compliance through the destruction of its noncompliant missile system – the SSC-8 or 9M729 ground-launched, intermediate-range cruise missile – Russia is solely responsible for the treaty’s demise.”
The State Department press release was echoed by a statement by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), NATO’s decision-making body, also on 2 August.
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The stated US desire to withdraw from the 1987 INF Treaty has raised concerns about a nuclear arms race. However, while new technology options will be explored, existing capabilities may help maintain the strategic balance. Dr Lee Willett reports
