Russia to cut one third of its strategic nuclear forces over next 9 years

In compliance with the Russian-American Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions /SOR/, by 2012 Russia will cut one third of its strategic nuclear forces, said spokesman of the Russian Joint Staff's chief operative department Yuri Borisov at the session of the Federation Council's international comittee.

The senators are debating the SOR Treaty, which will be submitted to the upper chamber for consideration on May 28th.

As a result, the number of Russian strategic nuclear warheads will be reduced to 1700-2200, Borisov said. "This amount will ensure Russia's security," he emphasized.

At present Russia has 5,436 of such warheads. During the intermediary stage, till December 31st, 2005, it intends to cut their number down to 3,500.