How Russia-US tensions have undermined key arms treaties

Reuters: Russia’s withdrawal from a key arms treaty marks a significant deterioration in the global security framework established post-Cold War. The breakdown in arms control agreements reflects heightened tensions between Russia and the US, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reminiscent of the Cold War’s most fraught moments.

Key treaties affected are:

1. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Once eliminated an entire class of nuclear missiles, the US withdrew in 2019 after accusing Russia of non-compliance, which Russia denied but subsequently also suspended its commitments.
2. Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty: Designed to establish balance in conventional military equipment, Russia formally exited the treaty, accusing NATO of circumvention through expansion, leading NATO members to suspend their obligations as well.
3. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Although banning nuclear explosions globally, Russia has revoked its ratification in line with the US’s non-ratification stance, still promising to abstain from testing unless the US does.
4. New START Treaty: The final active nuclear arms control between the US and Russia, capping deployed strategic nuclear warheads, is at risk. Russia has suspended its role, claiming US treaty-derived intelligence aids Ukraine in attacking Russian assets, while the US has ceased certain notifications in response to alleged Russian violations.

With the New START Treaty set to expire in 2026, its uncertain future symbolizes the fragile state of nuclear arms control between the world’s two largest nuclear powers.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.reuters.com/world/how-russia-us-tensions-have-undermined-key-arms-treaties-2023-11-07/