NATO Member States Respond to Russia's Decision

NATO member states have condemned Russia's decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe. In response, they intend to suspend the operation of the Treaty, as stated in a declaration published on the North Atlantic Alliance’s website. This information is reported by Meduza.

Russia's withdrawal from the Treaty is seen as the latest in a series of actions that systematically disrupt Euro-Atlantic security.

"Russia continues to show contempt for arms control, including for key principles such as reciprocity, transparency, compliance, verification, and the consent of the host state, and is undermining the rules-based international order," NATO countries noted.

The declaration emphasized that it would be unacceptable for the states party to the Treaty to comply while Russia does not.

“As a result, NATO member states intend to suspend the operation of the Treaty for as long as necessary to exercise their rights in accordance with international law. This decision is fully supported by all NATO member states,” the statement said.

The United Kingdom has confirmed the decision to halt the operation of the Treaty. The United States will cease its participation in the Treaty on December 7, according to a statement from Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, published on the White House website.

Russia suspended the operation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe in 2007. In 2015, Russian authorities announced they would halt participation in meetings of the joint consultative group on the Treaty. In 2023, the final withdrawal from the Treaty was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, culminating on the night of November 7.