Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended on Saturday his country’s participation in a Cold War- era conventional arms-control pact seen as a cornerstone of European security, deepening the rift between the Kremlin and Western governments.
By imposing a moratorium on its involvement in the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, Russia no longer is bound by treaty-mandated limits on the size of its conventional weapons arsenal west of the Ural Mountains.
Russia’s suspension of the treaty also allows it to bar NATO countries from performing inspections and verifications at military sites in the European part of the country.
Driving the Kremlin’s decision, as well as much of Putin’s hostile rhetoric against the U.S. and NATO this year, has been President Bush’s push for a missile shield in Europe to protect the continent from rogue states such as Iran. The Kremlin views the idea as a direct threat to national security.
“This step has been prompted by exceptional circumstances related to the (treaty’s) essence affecting Russia’s security, and requiring urgent measures,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The White House expressed frustration with the decision.
“We’re disappointed Russia has suspended its participation for now, but we’ll continue to have discussions with them in the coming months on the best way to proceed in this area,” said Gordon Johndroe, a National Security Council spokesman.
