Russia is ready to develop medium-range ballistic missiles to ensure its security.

(Baonghean.vn) - On September 19, a Russian official emphasized that the country could prepare appropriate countermeasures if the United States decides to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

Three Soviet-era RSD-10 missiles are being prepared for destruction at the Kapustin Yar launch site. Photo: Sputnik.

According to RIA news agency, Frants Klintsevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Senate's Defense Committee, said that appropriate countermeasures would be prepared to ensure Russia's security, including the possibility of using its air defense systems.

The official stated: "If the US withdraws from the INF Treaty, Russia will certainly take certain measures to develop similar weapons involving short- and medium-range missiles with a range of up to 1,500 km."

The statement was made after the US Senate on September 18 passed a new defense policy, authorizing the Department of Defense to begin developing a new cruise missile with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.

The United States and Russia signed the INF Treaty in 1987, which officially came into effect in June 1988 after negotiations between then-US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

The main content of this document is to prohibit participating parties from handling, producing, or testing from the ground ballistic missiles with a range of 500 km to 5,500 km. Approximately 2,700 medium-range missiles have been destroyed since the INF Treaty came into effect.

For a long time, Moscow and Washington have accused each other of violating this treaty.

Lan Ha

(According to THX)