Russia Ends Missile Deployment Moratorium Amid NATO Tensions
Russia has announced an end to its moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range missiles, revoking a self-imposed restriction following the U.S.'s repositioning of submarines and the deployment of weapons in Europe. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned of 'further steps', attributing the decision to NATO's 'anti-Russian policy'. Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that Russia is unrestricted in its right to take any measures on INF deployment
.
Background and Context
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), which Russia is no longer bound by, had been a cornerstone in the control of nuclear arms since the Cold War era. The treaty was discarded by the U.S. in 2019, but Russia had pledged to avoid the deployment of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles as long as the U.S. did the same.
The recent change in Russia's stance comes in response to the U.S.'s repositioning of its nuclear-powered submarines and the proposed deployment of weapons in Europe. This move by the U.S. deviates from decades of strategic silence and was seen as a thinly veiled warning to Russia.
Key Developments
Russia's decision to lift the moratorium has raised concerns among European nations. However, Major General Andreas Henne, commander of the German Army's Homeland Security Division, dismissed the speculation of a potential Russian attack against NATO. He stated that Russia is too invested in the Ukraine conflict to launch such an attack. The Russians are very committed in Ukraine and couldn't possibly carry out such an attack to its conclusion,
he said in an interview with Focus magazine.
On the other hand, a military analyst from King's College, Clarke, expressed concern about possible Russian aggression towards a NATO country, particularly the Baltic states, using special forces.
Implications and Reactions
The end of the missile deployment moratorium by Russia has escalated tensions between Moscow and NATO. Ex-Russian President Medvedev warned that the decision is a result of NATO's anti-Russian policy and that NATO countries should expect further actions from Russia. This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps,
he noted.
In response to the Kremlin's decision, the Trump administration lifted the veil on U.S. submarine movements in a move seen as a warning to Moscow. This announcement sent shockwaves through the defense world due to its unprecedented nature.
Current Status
As the situation stands, Russia is not bound by any limitations regarding the deployment of INF-class missiles. Whether this will lead to further escalations between Russia and NATO countries remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the dissolution of the INF Treaty and the subsequent decisions by both Russia and the U.S., have ushered in a new era of strategic uncertainty.