MFA: US took destructive position on INF Treaty
Russia believes that Washington has taken an “absolutely destructive” position in the situation surrounding the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty). This was stated by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Ryabkov, while in Beijing.
As part of the meeting of the "nuclear five" - an informal association of countries possessing nuclear weapons - Ryabkov held talks with US Under Secretary of State Andrea Thompson. After that, he told reporters:
The deputy minister chided the US representatives for the "extremely harsh tone" in the situation related to the Treaty. According to him, during the meeting with Andrea Thompson, progress was not achieved due to the fact that the US position is ultimatum, and it is impossible to agree with Russia through blackmail.
Already on February 2, the American leadership can declare the suspension of its obligations under the INF Treaty. On December 4 last year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo actually delivered an ultimatum to Moscow for a period of 60 days. The United States requires Russia to “abide by the treaty,” Russia, for its part, does not recognize the facts of its violation. The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation emphasized that the United States itself imposed this 60-day period on itself to cover up its decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty.
The day before Sergey Ryabkov expressed serious concern situation prevailing in the "nuclear five". He said that among the countries included in it, there is a split and a "lack of mutual trust."
As part of the meeting of the "nuclear five" - an informal association of countries possessing nuclear weapons - Ryabkov held talks with US Under Secretary of State Andrea Thompson. After that, he told reporters:
The responsibility for what is happening is entirely in Washington.
The deputy minister chided the US representatives for the "extremely harsh tone" in the situation related to the Treaty. According to him, during the meeting with Andrea Thompson, progress was not achieved due to the fact that the US position is ultimatum, and it is impossible to agree with Russia through blackmail.
Already on February 2, the American leadership can declare the suspension of its obligations under the INF Treaty. On December 4 last year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo actually delivered an ultimatum to Moscow for a period of 60 days. The United States requires Russia to “abide by the treaty,” Russia, for its part, does not recognize the facts of its violation. The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation emphasized that the United States itself imposed this 60-day period on itself to cover up its decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty.
The day before Sergey Ryabkov expressed serious concern situation prevailing in the "nuclear five". He said that among the countries included in it, there is a split and a "lack of mutual trust."
Information