President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tests-medium-range-cruise-missile-after-exiting-inf-treaty-244247">nuclear pact with the US</a> which ended last month.

"We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear."

Last month the US had tested a medium-range <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-set-to-deploy-new-weapons-as-cold-war-era-inf-treaty-ends-239966">ground-launched cruise missile</a>, just weeks after walking out the pact. The test occurred even as Russian President Putin urged the United States to begin new arms talks after the collapse of a Cold War nuclear pact between the two world powers.

Russia has blamed the Trump administration for unilaterally ending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty signed in 1987 between the then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. &nbsp;

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin while replying to a question said: "In case they are deployed in Japan and South Korea, we understand it will be done under a pretext of neutralising the threat from North Korea. But it also creates certain major problems for us because most likely these missile systems would cover a significant part of Russian territory including at the Far East."

"The fact that Pentagon chiefs said that the US plan to deploy them in Japan and South Korea does not make us happy, it is regrettable and causes some concern," the Russian president added.

However, Japanese President Shinzo Abe who was present at the forum denied the US had given any indication to deploy the missiles.

"I would like to make it clear that the US, of course, hasn't talked about deploying such missiles and there is no plan to do so," the Japanese president said.

Washington and NATO had accused Russia of developing the new 9M729 missile which they said violates the treaty, but Russia shot back saying that its range was&nbsp;short of 500 kilometres.

Putin had said earlier that if the US deploys new missiles, it "will be forced to begin the full-scale development of similar missiles". 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the nuclear pact with the US which ended last month. "We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would produce missiles that were banned under the nuclear pact with the US which ended last month. "We have already said publicly that we will not deploy - after the Americans have tested such a missile - we will not deploy it, we will surely produce the missiles of the same kind in the regions where the US missiles of such kind - the land-based missiles - will not appear." Last month the US had tested a medium-range ground-launched cruise missile, just weeks after walking out the pact. The test occurred even as Russian President Putin urged the United States to begin new arms talks after the collapse of a Cold War nuclear pact between the two world powers. Russia has blamed the Trump administration for unilaterally ending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty signed in 1987 between the then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin while replying to a question said: "In case they are deployed in Japan and South Korea, we understand it will be done under a pretext of neutralising the threat from North Korea. But it also creates certain major problems for us because most likely these missile systems would cover a significant part of Russian territory including at the Far East." "The fact that Pentagon chiefs said that the US plan to deploy them in Japan and South Korea does not make us happy, it is regrettable and causes some concern," the Russian president added. However, Japanese President Shinzo Abe who was present at the forum denied the US had given any indication to deploy the missiles. "I would like to make it clear that the US, of course, hasn't talked about deploying such missiles and there is no plan to do so," the Japanese president said. Washington and NATO had accused Russia of developing the new 9M729 missile which they said violates the treaty, but Russia shot back saying that its range was short of 500 kilometres. Putin had said earlier that if the US deploys new missiles, it "will be forced to begin the full-scale development of similar missiles".

Will produce same missiles as US cruise test but won't deploy: Putin

US President Donald Trump sermonising to Russia on the latter’s nuclear armoury would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Between them, these two powers hold over 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons in the world.

In the wake of the US pulling out of the decades-old Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, the world is once again confronted with a nuclear arms race which has revived even more intensively.

When it comes to nuclear weapons, the US is the world’s first and leading offender. It was the first to develop, test and use a nuclear weapon. &nbsp;It is also the only country to use the threat of nuclear weapons against others. After all, one use is enough to convince the world that a second use would be disastrous for the planet. Thus, the mere threat of using nuclear force or missiles is sufficient to subdue any other country.

Besides the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), the other nuclear-weapon states are India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. There are other states on the threshold, capable of developing nuclear weapons at short notice. Then there are forces, including terrorist groups, which would not find it very difficult to get their hands on nuclear weapons of weak states.

The US is the prime culprit in making nuclear weapons aspirational for developing countries. So much so that possession of nuclear weapons is flaunted as a mark of "development". The other eight nuclear-weapon states are equally responsible for making the cult of nuclear weapons a matter of national pride.

It is high time that a global movement for the elimination of nuclear weapons was launched. The new initiative should come from a new quarter, such as BRICS, for example, which has successfully set up a bank in the teeth of opposition from the international community.

Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world

US President Donald Trump sermonising to Russia on the latter’s nuclear armoury would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Between them, these two powers hold over 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons in the world.

US President Donald Trump sermonising to Russia on the latter’s nuclear armoury would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Between them, these two powers hold over 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons in the world. In the wake of the US pulling out of the decades-old Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, the world is once again confronted with a nuclear arms race which has revived even more intensively. When it comes to nuclear weapons, the US is the world’s first and leading offender. It was the first to develop, test and use a nuclear weapon. It is also the only country to use the threat of nuclear weapons against others. After all, one use is enough to convince the world that a second use would be disastrous for the planet. Thus, the mere threat of using nuclear force or missiles is sufficient to subdue any other country. Besides the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), the other nuclear-weapon states are India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. There are other states on the threshold, capable of developing nuclear weapons at short notice. Then there are forces, including terrorist groups, which would not find it very difficult to get their hands on nuclear weapons of weak states. The US is the prime culprit in making nuclear weapons aspirational for developing countries. So much so that possession of nuclear weapons is flaunted as a mark of "development". The other eight nuclear-weapon states are equally responsible for making the cult of nuclear weapons a matter of national pride. It is high time that a global movement for the elimination of nuclear weapons was launched. The new initiative should come from a new quarter, such as BRICS, for example, which has successfully set up a bank in the teeth of opposition from the international community. Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world

WION Edit: Eliminate nuclear weapons

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-inf-missile-treaty-clears-way-for-new-arms-race-with-russia-240039">US goes ahead with plans </a>to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

"China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

"And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

On Saturday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Washington wants to quickly deploy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suggested-us-nato-to-consider-announcing-moratorium-on-deployment-of-missiles-russia-240155">new intermediate-range missiles </a>in Asia.

The new Pentagon chief had said that the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal Friday from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia.

"Yes I would like to," Esper said when asked if the US was considering deploying new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia.

Esper, however, did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons.

"We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later," Esper told reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia.

"I would prefer months... But these things tend to take longer than you expect."

The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -- namely China -- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles.

Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear medium-range missiles (with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres, 300-3,000 miles).

But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US.

The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the US goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the US goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry. "And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea. On Saturday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Washington wants to quickly deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Asia. The new Pentagon chief had said that the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal Friday from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia. "Yes I would like to," Esper said when asked if the US was considering deploying new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia. Esper, however, did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons. "We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later," Esper told reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia. "I would prefer months... But these things tend to take longer than you expect." The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -- namely China -- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles. Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear medium-range missiles (with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres, 300-3,000 miles). But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US. The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

Will not stand idly if US deploys missiles in Asia, warns China

The United States will officially withdraw from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-breakthrough-with-russia-on-inf-treaty-dispute-natos-stoltenberg-233321">Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces</a> (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia -&nbsp;and throwing China into the mix.

The treaty -&nbsp;concluded by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 -- limited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inf-treaty-with-russia-has-been-invalidated-germany-194404">Cold War powers' medium-range</a> missiles, both conventional and nuclear.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump's administration announced its intention to ditch the agreement, accusing Moscow of repeatedly violating its terms -&nbsp;a charge Russia denied.

"I think the INF Treaty has served us well, but it only works if both parties comply," new US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said recently.

"The United States will remain in compliance with all of our obligations until August 2nd -- and after that point in time, we will continue to pursue what is in our best interest," he told lawmakers.

Washington formally launched the procedure of leaving the treaty on February 1 -- a six-month process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill suspending Moscow's participation on July 3.&nbsp;

Unless something changes in the coming days, the mutual withdrawal will spell the end of the deal, which eliminated a range of missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310-3,420 miles).&nbsp;

That paved the way for the mothballing of Russian SS-20 missiles and American Pershing missiles deployed in Europe.

Even if European nations have expressed concerns about the consequence of a new arms race, NATO endorsed the US position, saying Russia's 9M729 missile had violated the INF agreement.

Moscow insists the new projectile has a maximum range of 480 kilometers -- within INF parameters.

In the end, the death of the INF Treaty suits Washington just fine, as former defence secretary Ash Carter said in early July.

"From the military point of view, not the political point of view, it's not so bad," Carter said at a conference at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"We can make good use of what we call conventional prompt strike."

The Pentagon is thrilled that it will now be able to modernise its arsenal to counter the mounting might of China, which is looking to assert its military supremacy in Asia.

"Most of China's inventory is of intermediate range missiles and so we need to make sure we have the capability as well to respond should we -- God forbid -- get in a fight with them one day," Esper said.

The United States has pledged not to deploy new nuclear-armed missiles in Europe, but made no such promise on the deployment of conventional weapons.

Advances in technology have allowed for the development of mid-range missiles that are much more precise than those made 30 years ago, explained career diplomat William Courtney, who is now a senior fellow at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Rand Corporation.

"The technology has changed so much that is makes it militarily attractive," said Courtney, an arms control expert.

For Thomas Mahnken, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, the US must now deploy medium-range conventional weapons on its islands in the Pacific and other territory controlled by its allies.

Such a move would help counter China's rise, especially in the South China Sea, where the People's Liberation Army has effectively commandeered several disputed islands.

"It is time to turn the tables," Mahnken said in a commentary published on the specialist website War on the Rocks.

"Such weapons, capable of denying China the use of littoral waters, would be a powerful deterrent to Chinese aggression."

Such a move seems to have the support of the next chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley.

When asked by US senators about the imminent demise of the INF Treaty, he said he supported the deployment of conventional ground-based medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region. 
&nbsp;

The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix.

The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix. The treaty - concluded by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 -- limited the Cold War powers' medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump's administration announced its intention to ditch the agreement, accusing Moscow of repeatedly violating its terms - a charge Russia denied. "I think the INF Treaty has served us well, but it only works if both parties comply," new US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said recently. "The United States will remain in compliance with all of our obligations until August 2nd -- and after that point in time, we will continue to pursue what is in our best interest," he told lawmakers. Washington formally launched the procedure of leaving the treaty on February 1 -- a six-month process. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill suspending Moscow's participation on July 3. Unless something changes in the coming days, the mutual withdrawal will spell the end of the deal, which eliminated a range of missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310-3,420 miles). That paved the way for the mothballing of Russian SS-20 missiles and American Pershing missiles deployed in Europe. Even if European nations have expressed concerns about the consequence of a new arms race, NATO endorsed the US position, saying Russia's 9M729 missile had violated the INF agreement. Moscow insists the new projectile has a maximum range of 480 kilometers -- within INF parameters. In the end, the death of the INF Treaty suits Washington just fine, as former defence secretary Ash Carter said in early July. "From the military point of view, not the political point of view, it's not so bad," Carter said at a conference at the Council on Foreign Relations. "We can make good use of what we call conventional prompt strike." The Pentagon is thrilled that it will now be able to modernise its arsenal to counter the mounting might of China, which is looking to assert its military supremacy in Asia. "Most of China's inventory is of intermediate range missiles and so we need to make sure we have the capability as well to respond should we -- God forbid -- get in a fight with them one day," Esper said. The United States has pledged not to deploy new nuclear-armed missiles in Europe, but made no such promise on the deployment of conventional weapons. Advances in technology have allowed for the development of mid-range missiles that are much more precise than those made 30 years ago, explained career diplomat William Courtney, who is now a senior fellow at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Rand Corporation. "The technology has changed so much that is makes it militarily attractive," said Courtney, an arms control expert. For Thomas Mahnken, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, the US must now deploy medium-range conventional weapons on its islands in the Pacific and other territory controlled by its allies. Such a move would help counter China's rise, especially in the South China Sea, where the People's Liberation Army has effectively commandeered several disputed islands. "It is time to turn the tables," Mahnken said in a commentary published on the specialist website War on the Rocks. "Such weapons, capable of denying China the use of littoral waters, would be a powerful deterrent to Chinese aggression." Such a move seems to have the support of the next chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley. When asked by US senators about the imminent demise of the INF Treaty, he said he supported the deployment of conventional ground-based medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region.

'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia

President Vladimir Putin on Monday officially suspended Russia's participation in a key Cold War-era arms treaty, after the US first moved to ditch the INF deal.&nbsp;

Putin "signed a decree regarding the suspension of Russia's participation in the agreement between the USSR and the US," the Kremlin said in a statement.

The move was taken following "a violation of the United States of its obligations under the treaty," it said.&nbsp;

Moscow and Washington have accused one another of breaching the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement concluded between the US and the former Soviet Union in 1987.

US President Donald Trump said in February that Washington would start a process to withdraw from the deal within six months.

Putin responded soon after that Russia was planning to suspend its involvement.

He said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US, raising the spectre of a new arms race.&nbsp;

In his state of the nation address last month, Putin threatened to deploy new missiles against Western capitals.

The longtime Russian leader warned Washington against deploying any new missiles in Europe following the collapse of the treaty, saying Moscow would consider it a "serious threat".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed the threats as "bluster" designed to divide Washington and its allies.&nbsp;

Brokered by US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF treaty ended a superpower buildup of warheads that had frightened Europe.&nbsp;

It banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres.

The deal addressed Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

NATO has said that US allies "fully support" its withdrawal from the pact, insisting that Russia's 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violate the treaty.

European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the US formally leaves in August.

Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "key components of the international arms control architecture are collapsing".

Moscow has also expressed concern that Washington's decision to withdraw from the INF could jeopardise the extension of the New START treaty.&nbsp;

That agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Monday officially suspended Russia's participation in a key Cold War-era arms treaty, after the US first moved to ditch the INF deal.

President Vladimir Putin on Monday officially suspended Russia's participation in a key Cold War-era arms treaty, after the US first moved to ditch the INF deal. Putin "signed a decree regarding the suspension of Russia's participation in the agreement between the USSR and the US," the Kremlin said in a statement. The move was taken following "a violation of the United States of its obligations under the treaty," it said. Moscow and Washington have accused one another of breaching the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement concluded between the US and the former Soviet Union in 1987. US President Donald Trump said in February that Washington would start a process to withdraw from the deal within six months. Putin responded soon after that Russia was planning to suspend its involvement. He said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US, raising the spectre of a new arms race. In his state of the nation address last month, Putin threatened to deploy new missiles against Western capitals. The longtime Russian leader warned Washington against deploying any new missiles in Europe following the collapse of the treaty, saying Moscow would consider it a "serious threat". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dismissed the threats as "bluster" designed to divide Washington and its allies. Brokered by US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF treaty ended a superpower buildup of warheads that had frightened Europe. It banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres. The deal addressed Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China. NATO has said that US allies "fully support" its withdrawal from the pact, insisting that Russia's 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violate the treaty. European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the US formally leaves in August. Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "key components of the international arms control architecture are collapsing". Moscow has also expressed concern that Washington's decision to withdraw from the INF could jeopardise the extension of the New START treaty. That agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin officially suspends INF arms treaty with US

inf-arms-treaty

Inf Arms Treaty, News on Inf Arms Treaty, stories on Inf Arms Treaty, articles on Inf Arms Treaty, Inf Arms Treaty stories at Wion, Inf Arms Treaty news, Inf Arms Treaty latest news

inf arms-treaty

Will produce same missiles as US cruise test but won't deploy: Putin

WION Edit: Eliminate nuclear weapons

Will not stand idly if US deploys missiles in Asia, warns China

'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin officially suspends INF arms treaty with US