Russia has withdrawn from a treaty that bans the use of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles, a day after the US pulled out. President Vladimir Putin said Russia will develop new high-tech missiles, potentially signaling the start of a new technological arms race.
Background: The US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, signed in 1987, on Friday. It said Russia was violating the treaty’s terms and had six months to become compliant.
What’s the complaint? The US and NATO are unhappy about the Novator 9M729, a land-based cruise missile with a range larger than the 500-kilometer limit set by the treaty. Meanwhile, Russia is unhappy with the launchers that form part of a missile defense system used by the US, and which are stationed in Romania. Russia says they could also be used for attacks.
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