Russia denounces START-2 following US withdrawal from ABM Treaty

The Russian Federation remarks on the absence of any prerequisites for the implementation of the treaty on a further reduction and limitation of strategic assault arms (the START-2 Treaty) between Russia and the US and does not consider itself obliged to refrain from moves that could deprive this treaty of its subject and purpose, the Foreign Ministry of Russia declared.

The Press and Information Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Russian Federation ratified START-2 in May 2000, as well as the New York Agreements of September 26, 1997 dealing with the ABM Treaty. An understanding was reached with the American party that the US would act accordingly, which would allow for the implementation of the above-mentioned highly important agreements on strategic assault and defensive arms of both countries.

However, the US refused to ratify START-2 and the New York Agreements. Moreover, the US withdrew from the ABM Treaty on June 13, 2002. As a result of that move, this international legal act, which had been a cornerstone of strategic stability for three decades, has become void.