Categories: World

NATO urges Russia to respect its nuclear treaty, which Russia suspended when the US supported Ukraine

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for February 3

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

NATO called Friday on Russia to respect the only treaty it has with the United States aimed at keeping a lid on nuclear weapons expansion and urged Moscow to allow on-the-ground inspections of military sites to resume.

The so-called New START Treaty was signed by Russia and the U.S. in 2010. It caps at 1,550 the number of long-range nuclear warheads they can deploy and limits the use of missiles that can carry atomic weapons. It allows short-notice inspections of each other’s nuclear bases and support facilities.

“We note with concern that Russia has failed to comply with legally-binding obligations under the New START Treaty,” NATO ambassadors said in a statement. The 30-nation U.S.-led military alliance supports the treaty and believes that it helps to limit the expansion of nuclear forces.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR PUSHES ‘DOOMSDAY CLOCK’ CLOSEST POINT TO MIDNIGHT IN HISTORY, SCIENTISTS SAY

The envoys said that Russia’s refusal to hold consultations or to allow U.S. inspections since last August “prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the Treaty, and undermines the United States’ ability to adequately verify Russian compliance with the Treaty’s central limits.”

“We call on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the Treaty by facilitating New START inspections on Russian territory, and by returning to participation in the Treaty’s implementation body,” the forum in which the two sides could consult, NATO said.

President Barack Obama, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sign the New START Treaty in Prague on April 8, 2010. NATO called on Russia on Feb. 3, 2023, to respect the treaty and urge Moscow to allow on-the-ground inspections.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly ramped up his nuclear rhetoric since he ordered Russian troops into Ukraine almost a year ago, raising concern among Western allies and the public over whether he might actually use such weapons.

The U.S.-Russia committee formed under the treaty last met in October 2021, but Russia unilaterally suspended its cooperation with the pact’s inspection provisions in August 2022 to protest U.S. support for Ukraine.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Inspections of U.S. and Russian military sites under the New START treaty were paused by both sides because of the spread of the coronavirus in March 2020.

The U.S. State Department warned Tuesday that “Russia’s refusal to facilitate inspection activities prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the treaty and threatens the viability of U.S.-Russian nuclear arms control.”

Share

Recent Posts

Police bust 3 thrill seekers in bathroom stall after trio spotted atop iconic Nashville building

close Video Citizen calls 911 after spotting men atop iconic Nashville building 911 caller describes…

1 hour ago

President-elect Trump appoints three key positions in White House offices

President-elect Trump announced three key appointments to White House offices on Monday, including two who…

1 hour ago

Russian forces capture former British soldier fighting for Ukraine in Kursk: report

close Video Former British soldier fighting for Ukraine captured by Russian forces A former British…

3 hours ago

Famed pastor dead after illegal immigrant allegedly runs red light, strikes him in crosswalk

close Video Caravan of 1,500 migrants forms in Mexico A caravan of about 1,500 migrants…

3 hours ago

Climate activists learn fate for red powder attack on US Constitution at National Archives

close Video National Archives Rotunda evacuated after climate activists dump pink powder on case holding…

3 hours ago

At least 16 tourists missing after Egyptian yacht carrying Americans sinks in high-waves Red Sea

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 25 Fox News Flash top headlines…

6 hours ago