US sets conditions for Russia to give up cruise missiles with nuclear warheads
The United States will abandon plans to deploy nuclear cruise missiles at sea, according to a new doctrine, if Russia will comply with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, said Robert Soufer, Deputy Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Weapons Policy.
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"We are saying in doctrine that if Russia again begins to comply with the INF Treaty, starts negotiations on reducing tactical nuclear weapons, if they change their aggressive geopolitical behavior in the international arena, then we can discuss sea-based cruise missiles, we will not need to deploy them," he said, speaking at a summit on nuclear deterrence in Washington.
Mr. Soufer also expressed concern that Russia is increasing its non-strategic nuclear arsenal.
"We looked at the Russian strategy, the Russian doctrine, the exercises… and we needed to do something in response to this, we had no other choice," - Mr. Soufer mentioned the new nuclear doctrine.
Earlier, the Pentagon announced the US nuclear doctrine, according to which Washington will focus on developing low-energy nuclear warheads.
In addition, the United States will continue to modernize its nuclear forces and develop elements of the "nuclear triad" (intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic submarines and bombers).
According to the Pentagon, the US has no intention of reducing the use of nuclear weapons, and the main goal remains to deter both nuclear and non-nuclear "strategic attacks."
