Putin warns the US against an uncontrolled arms race.

On November 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to attend the G20 summit of leading developed and emerging economies.

At a meeting with BRICS leaders on the sidelines of the summit, the Russian leader delivered a speech in which he warned that the possibility of the US withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) would create the risk of an uncontrolled arms race.

President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump at the G20 summit. Photo: Reuters

In his speech, Russian President V. Putin stated that Russia is concerned about the complex situation in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament.

The Russian leader said: "It is impossible not to be worried about the situation in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament. The possibility of the US refusing to fulfill its responsibilities under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and the unclear position on extending the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, are creating the risk of an uncontrolled arms race."

President Putin stated that Russia hopes the BRICS countries will reach a consensus on this issue, so that it will become a crucial factor in mobilizing all efforts of the international community to ensure international security and stability.

Previously, on October 20, US President Donald Trump publicly announced his intention to withdraw from the INF Treaty. However, Washington has not yet officially notified Moscow of this. On October 31, US National Security Advisor John Bonton emphasized that this notification would have to be made "at the right time." Meanwhile, on November 15, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, stated that the US administration had not yet made a final decision on whether Washington would withdraw from the treaty.