Russia has declared its intention to restart production of INF missiles in response to repeated violations of the INF Treaty by the United States. This decision follows ongoing US involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including the supply of missiles, MIRVs (Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles), and Weapons of Mass Destruction to Kiev. Russia has issued multiple warnings to the US to cease its interference, citing breaches of international principles such as non-interference in sovereign affairs. Despite these warnings, the US continues to provoke Russia, escalating tensions in the region and prompting Moscow’s assertive response.
Russia has made a bold move to restart production of intermediate and shorter-range missiles, a decision triggered by the United States’ withdrawal from the INF Treaty. Signed in 1987 during the Cold War era, this treaty had previously banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges spanning 500 to 5,500 kilometers.
President Vladimir Putin’s announcement, following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, was unequivocal. It signalled Russia’s intent to defy previous treaty constraints and rejuvenate its defense capabilities amidst shifting global security dynamics.
The INF Treaty was a pivotal agreement between the US and the Soviet Union aimed at reducing nuclear tensions in Europe. By outlawing a specific class of weapons capable of carrying nuclear warheads, it sought to stabilize relations during a tense period of the Cold War.
The US’ withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019, was met with widespread criticism from global advocates of arms control. Concerns quickly surfaced regarding the potential for a renewed arms race and its implications for global security.
Putin’s response underscored Russia’s adherence to bilateral agreements while highlighting its bold stance against perceived threats. The timing of his declaration post-SCO summit underscored Russia’s strategic manoeuvring within broader geopolitical alliances and regional security frameworks.
Putin pointed to what he deemed as provocative US military deployments in Europe and the Philippines, which Moscow views as destabilizing factors warranting a defensive response. Discussions within Russia’s National Security Council before the announcement underscored the gravity of national security considerations.
Putin’s statements regarding potential missile deployments reflected strategic calculations aimed at balancing military deterrence with diplomatic messaging amidst evolving security threats. The international community’s reaction highlighted widespread apprehensions over heightened military tensions and the broader implications for global arms control regimes and international security.
In referencing US missile deployments in Europe, Putin highlighted ongoing geopolitical tensions and questioned NATO’s security architecture, which Russia perceives as undermining regional stability. The historical significance of the INF Treaty in mitigating Cold War-era nuclear risks contrasted sharply with contemporary challenges to arms control, underscoring the fragility of international agreements in today’s multipolar world.
Notably, the INF Treaty focused solely on ground-based missile systems, excluding air and sea-based platforms within similar range parameters, thereby delineating its specific scope and limitations. Allegations by the US that Russia violated the treaty through the development and deployment of prohibited missile systems were contentious, contributing to the treaty’s eventual collapse and fueling bilateral discord.
Putin’s directive to Russia’s defense industry to initiate research and development for these missile systems underscored Moscow’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities amidst evolving security challenges. Concerns over the regional implications of potential missile deployments in Europe and neighbouring regions resonated among neighbouring states and international observers alike.
The global response, particularly from NATO countries and other major powers, underscored concerted efforts to monitor and mitigate potential arms race dynamics. Experts and policymakers voiced concerns over the broader implications of renewed missile production, warning of heightened global arms competition and its potential to undermine efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
This firm and assertive bold by the Kremlin encapsulates Russia’s strategic decision-making and its global ramifications, presenting a comprehensive overview of the INF Treaty’s collapse and the subsequent geopolitical landscape. Russia has repeatedly warned the United States to halt its interference, citing violations of international principles such as non-interference in sovereign affairs, but deaf US can’t listen.
As tensions escalate, both diplomatically and militarily, the situation underscores the fragile balance of international relations and the potential ramifications of geopolitical manoeuvring in sensitive global hotspots.
