Ukraine is disappointed with the termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics following the situation around it, caused by Russia’s actions, and fully understands the U.S. move in response to Russia’s non-compliance.

“Over the last three decades, the Treaty was a cornerstone of strategic stability and global security. Although formally not a party to the INF Treaty, Ukraine was strictly adhering to its provisions throughout the entire period of its existence. During 1988-1991, all ground-based shorter range (500 to 100 km.) and intermediate range (1,000 to 5,500 km.) ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as 25 related facilities, were decommissioned in Ukraine,” reads the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine regarding the termination of the US-USSR Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

As noted, Ukraine, together with the United States, condemned the development and testing of the PC-26 (Rubezh) ballistic missile which has a range of 2200 km, as well as further improvement of battle and operational capabilities of the Iskander-M missile system. “In Ukraine, we are particularly concerned with the fact that Russia developed and deployed nuclear-capable intermediate range missile systems at a range within reach of several European capitals, as well as the fact that in March 2019, Russia conducted military training in occupied Crimea, involving the use of “Iskander-M” missiles,” the Ministry underscores.

In response to Russia’s aggressive actions and proceeding from the fact of the INF Treaty termination, Ukraine will enhance its dialogue with NATO with the aim to discuss the options of strengthening defense of the entire Alliance’s Eastern flank.

The U.S. formally withdrew from the treaty on 2 August 2019.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was an arms control treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union (and its successor state, the Russian Federation), signed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on 8 December 1987.

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