NATO calls on Russia to return to the Arms Reduction Treaty in Europe

On Friday, members of the North Atlantic Alliance condemned Russia's decision to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), which sets legally binding limits on key categories of conventional military weapons of the participating states.

This is stated in a NATO statement.

The Alliance emphasized that Russia has not complied with its obligations under the CFE Treaty for many years, in particular by suspending its implementation without legal grounds in 2007.

"Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and Belarus' complicity in it contradict the goals of the CFE Treaty. Russia's decision to withdraw from the CFE Treaty is the latest in a series of actions that systematically undermine Euro-Atlantic security," NATO Allies said.

They added that Moscow's decision "further demonstrates its continued disregard" for arms control.

"Allies call on Russia to fulfill its obligations and commitments and to use the time remaining before its withdrawal (from the treaty - ed.) to reconsider its decision," the statement said.

On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed the state parties to the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe of its withdrawal from it, starting on November 7, 2023, after the adoption of the relevant law.

Author - Olena Madiak, 09/06/2023