Interfax: Russia urges U.S. not to destroy INF Treaty

(Interfax – June 11, 2015)

The deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles near Russian borders by the U.S. would totally destroy the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

“We have taken note of statements by Pentagon representatives that the U.S. is studying options for military responses to Russian ‘violations’, up to the potential deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles banned by the INF near our borders. It is clear that such actions would constitute the treaty’s total destruction by the American side, with all ensuing consequences,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on June 11.

“We are calling on the U.S. to ensure the full implementation of the INF Treaty and not jeopardize this document’s viability,” it said.

“Questions arise in relation to the U.S.’ approach toward the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [NPT]. So-called joint nuclear missions pursued by the U.S. and its NATO allies constitute a serious violation of this treaty,” it said.