Russian moratorium on medium— and shorter-range missiles is coming to an end - MFA

The validity of the moratorium of the Russian Federation on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles (INF) is nearing its end, as the West does not express appreciation for Moscow's restraint. This was stated in an interview with TASS by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that under the Trump administration, the United States will continue to actively develop a program for the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles.

"At the moment, we do not see any drastic changes, much less reversals, in the US plans for further advanced deployment of medium- and shorter-range ground-based missiles in various regions of the world. On the contrary, the practical steps taken by the US military to implement the relevant program convince us that such activities will only increase. Our own position on this matter has been voiced repeatedly and in all the necessary details," he said.

In fact, according to Ryabkov, Russia showed restraint in the post-INF Treaty area, but the United States and its allies did not appreciate this gesture and did not reciprocate.

"As a result, we have openly and directly stated that our implementation of the previously imposed unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground—based INF is approaching its logical conclusion," he continued.

Ryabkov noted that Russia is forced to take retaliatory measures in connection with the emergence of serious missile threats.

"Our country is forced to respond to the emergence of new and, moreover, very sensitive missile threats. Decisions on the specific parameters of such a response are for our military and, of course, for the leadership of the Russian Federation," the deputy head of the Russian Federation further said.