Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated that NATO is attributing blame to Moscow for its decision to cease a long-standing suspension on missile deployment. Earlier this week, Russia’s Foreign Ministry declared that it would no longer adhere to interim nuclear treaties. Although the U.S. exited the treaty in 2019, Russian officials have indicated they would refrain from deploying short- and medium-range nuclear missiles as long as the U.S. does the same.
Medvedev took to social media on Sunday, asserting, “The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement regarding the withdrawal of moratoriums on the deployment of moderate and short-range missiles is the result of NATO countries’ anti-Russian policies.” He added, “This is a new reality that our opponents must accept. Perhaps there is hope for more steps ahead.”
Previously, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had been the first to suspend a moratorium in December, citing “destabilizing actions” by the U.S. and NATO. He pointed out that as the situation progresses toward the actual deployment of U.S. missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the conditions for keeping a unilateral moratorium on similar deployments have disappeared.
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, established in 1987 between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, eliminated ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
Medvedev’s recent remarks were shared following conversations with President Donald Trump, in which he accused the U.S. of heading toward “war” with Russia. In response, Trump announced plans to relocate two nuclear submarines closer to Moscow.
Subsequently, the Kremlin issued a statement downplaying Medvedev’s comments. Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, emphasized the careful approach to nuclear rhetoric, stating, “Russia takes the issue of nuclear non-proliferation very seriously.” He noted that President Putin’s stance on such matters is well-known and advised caution in discussions surrounding nuclear issues.
