Putin pulls Russia out of arms control treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree suspending Russia’s participation in a key European arms control treaty, the Kremlin said today.

The Kremlin said in a statement that the need to pull out of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, which governs the deployment of troops on the continent, was linked to “extraordinary circumstances … which affect the security of the Russian Federation and require immediate measures.”

The law takes effect immediately.

The treaty, between Russian and Nato members, was signed in 1990 and amended in 1999 to reflect changes since the break-up of the Soviet Union, adding the requirement that Moscow withdraw troops from the former Soviet republics of Moldova and Georgia.

Russia has ratified the amended version, but the United States and other Nato members have refused to do so until Russia completely withdraws.

The treaty is seen as a key element in maintaining stability in Europe. It establishes limitations on countries’ deployment of tanks, armoured combat vehicles, artillery, attack helicopters and combat aircraft.

Withdrawal from the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty would allow Moscow to build up forces near its borders.