Will Russia's missile arsenal be attacked by the US?
Mr Trump confirmed the suspension of the INF and stressed that he would discuss with allies preparing for potential military action against Russia's missile arsenal.
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| US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House. Photo: THX/TTXVN |
US President Donald Trump confirmed on February 1 that the US was suspending the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and stressed that he would discuss with allies preparing for potential military action against Russia's missile arsenal.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the same day that the Trump administration decided to suspend compliance with the INF Treaty. The US accused Russia of developing a new type of missile that violates the INF Treaty.
Mr Pompeo noted that “Russia’s violations put millions of Europeans and Americans at greater risk” and were intended to “put the United States at a military disadvantage.”
In a statement, President Trump said: "The United States will not be constrained by the terms of the INF Treaty while Russia engages in its malign activities. We cannot be the only country in the world that unilaterally abides by the INF Treaty. We will strengthen our own military response options, in coordination with NATO and our allies and partners, to counter any Russian military advantage."
On the same day, President Trump also said he wanted to hold talks to create a new arms control treaty, after announcing his withdrawal from the INF treaty.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr. Trump emphasized: "I hope we can bring everyone into a beautiful big room and make a better agreement."
Meanwhile, France expressed regret over the US withdrawal from the INF treaty and called on Russia to fully comply with the agreement within the next six months./.