By Cecilia Odey
Russia is concerned about Washington’s plans to deploy intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) in Germany and the Philippines, Russian envoy to the UN in Geneva Gennady Gatilov said on Thursday.
“Washington’s plans to deploy INF in Germany and the Philippines are a reason for concern.
“It is clear that after the demonstrative and groundless withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019.
“The U.S. is making deliberate efforts to radically change the balance of power in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in its favour,’’ Gatilov said.
Gatilov said this at a plenary session of the UN Conference on Disarmament.
Gatilov said the move was meant as deterrence against Russia and China and warned that it would release Russia from its commitment not to send INF assets to other countries.
“It is obvious that the implementation of these plans will nullify our country’s moratorium, announced in the spirit of goodwill.
“The deployment of ground-based INF missiles in the areas where such systems are not stationed,’’ he warned.
The Soviet Union and the U.S. signed the INF treaty in 1987, agreeing not to develop or possess ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 620-3,420 miles.
In 2019, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the treaty after accusing Russia of non-compliance.
In response, Russia suspended its participation in the Cold War-era accord.
(RIA/NAN),
