Putin warns US about uncontrolled arms race

On November 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the Summit of the Group of 20 leading developed and emerging economies (G20).

At a meeting with leaders of the BRICS group of countries on the sidelines of the Summit, the Russian leader gave 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 worried about the complicated situation in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament.

"One cannot help but worry about the state of affairs in the sphere of non-proliferation and disarmament. The possible US refusal to comply with the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the unclear position on the extension of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty, create the risk of an uncontrolled arms race," the Russian leader said.

President Putin stated that Russia hopes that BRICS countries will unify their views on this topic, so that it will become an important factor in mobilizing all efforts of the international community to ensure international security and stability.

Previously, on October 20, US President D. Trump publicly announced his intention to withdraw from the INF Treaty. Washington has not yet officially notified Moscow of this. US Assistant to the President for National Security John Bonton emphasized on October 31 that this announcement would have to be “timely”. At the same time, on November 15, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, said that the US administration has not yet made a final decision on whether Washington will withdraw from the treaty or not.