During the negotiations between Putin and Macron, it became known that the US had held tests which would have been impossible just a month ago thanks to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Today, Mr. Peskov, the president's press secretary, spoke about how Putin reacted to this news. The launch of a ground-based cruise missile, according to the president, proves that it was the United States that sought to break the agreement in the first place. Sergey Lavrov emphasized the tests had been in the works by Washington at least since October 2018. What are the weapons? What will be Russia's response?
The Pentagon has provided a slow-motion video of the first launch of a short-range missile banned under the INF Treaty. Obviously, it was done so that military experts, diplomats, and politicians could have a closer look at it and be convinced that the United States no longer limits itself by any restrictions imposed by this treaty, which is essential for global security. The test was carried out at 2:30 pm Pacific Standard Time on San Nicolas Island in the Pacific Ocean, 60 miles from Los Angeles. The whole island is one large testing ground which is wholly owned by the US Navy. According to the US military, the new non-nuclear ground-based cruise missile accurately hit the target after covering 310 miles. This is exactly what was banned by the INF Treaty. A Pentagon source said it was "the Trump administration’s response to Russia's many years of non-compliance with the INF Treaty".
American mainstream media channels went even further and reported that Russia had allegedly developed and deployed banned missiles and that they supposedly pose a threat to Europe. Russia has already deployed several battalions of intermediate-range missiles on its territory. In case of a conflict, they could target European cities, airports, ports, military bases, and civilian infrastructure. Moscow says that Washington used the accusations against Russia as an excuse to break off another strategic stability treaty.
Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister: "It was being prepared long before August 2nd, when the obligations of the parties under the INF Treaty formally expired. This was all known since last October, when John Bolton came to us. He told us that Trump’s statement about the need to withdraw from this treaty was not an invitation to a dialogue, but a final decision".
The Russian Foreign Ministry drew attention to the fact that during the test launch of the advanced American missile, the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System was used. Exactly the same systems are deployed in Romania and Poland, apparently as a part of the missile defense system. Now there is new evidence that these systems can be used not only for interceptor missiles but also for strike cruise missiles.
Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defense: "Eight months before this decision, funds were allocated in the budget for the development of such missiles. The funds for the development of these missiles were approved and allocated. That's why, I think, if you want to have an agreement, you should have one. But if you never had such an intention, then maybe you should stop cheating at some point".
One of the reasons why the US withdrew from the INF Treaty is China. Washington was worried about the loss of military dominance in Asia. So now the missiles banned under the INF Treaty are going to flood South Korea and Japan. By the way, from those points, they can reach Russia as well.
John Bolton, National Security Advisor: "The Secretary of Defense said we would consider deploying intermediate-range missiles in the Far East. That is because China already has got thousands of such missiles deployed".
The collapse of the INF Treaty could directly affect the security of all of Europe. Alarming news about the first test launch of an American short-range missile came just during the talks between the leaders of Russia and France.
Vladimir Putin: "If such strike systems are manufactured by the USA, we will do the same but we won't deploy them to those regions unless such American systems appear there first. Unfortunately, we haven't seen any reaction to what we've been repeatedly vocal about. It seems like we haven't been heard. But I think Europe is interested in us being heard and react accordingly".
Now between Russia and the United States, there is only one treaty in the field of strategic arms — START-3. But it expires in 2021. And there is no clear answer whether the US administration wants to extend it. It is possible that, in the future, the United States will deploy nuclear weapons in space. Russia suggested banning this in UN international treaties but Washington and its allies are against it.
Alexander Khristenko, Vesti
