Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs explained the decision of the UN General Assembly not to introduce for consideration the draft resolution of Russia on the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Short-Range Missiles.

“As you know, voting in the UN is not completely free for a number of countries. When voting, the position is determined by allied duties, Euro-Atlantic solidarity, and in some cases, a very serious dependence from the United States,” the deputy noted.

However, Novikov said not to forget about those countries which supported Russia.

“Under these conditions, while remaining a power that is striving for global domination, the United States is able to influence large groups of countries, which was shown by the vote. It also demonstrated US persistence in willingness to break down the INF. But at the same time, it should be noted and appreciated that a lot of countries expressed support for the Russian position, which is very valuable. And we must take this part of the vote into account when we evaluate the whole situation,” concluded the parliamentarian.

Earlier on Friday it became known that the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, which deals with issues of disarmament and international security, voted against the submission of the Russian draft resolution in support of the INF Committee. 55 countries voted against the draft, 31 countries voted in favor, 54 states abstained. Among those who did not support the draft resolution are the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Argentina, Greece and France.

Russia proposed the UN General Assembly to call on the parties to the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles to maintain the agreement. The document states that actions to undermine the INF Treaty should be considered as threatening global strategic stability and security. Russian diplomats suggested putting the issue of preserving the treaty on the agenda of the next 74th session.