Russia Withdraws from the 'Conventional Armed Forces in Europe' Treaty

On Tuesday, November 7, Russia officially announced its withdrawal from the 'Conventional Armed Forces in Europe' treaty, accusing the United States of undermining post-Cold War security by expanding the NATO military alliance. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the country exited the treaty at midnight, declaring it now a part of 'history.' Russia had previously suspended its participation in the treaty in 2007. According to reports, NATO members condemned Moscow's decision and stated that in response, they would halt the implementation of this important post-Cold War treaty. The Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty, signed in 1990, a year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, established verifiable limits on the deployment of conventional military equipment by NATO members and Warsaw Pact countries. Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated in response to Russia's decision that given this fundamental change, the United States would suspend the implementation of all treaty-related commitments with any other member country from December 7, 'in accordance with our rights under international law.' The statement noted that this decision was made in close consultation and coordination with U.S. allies in NATO, many of whom are also CFE member countries, and several U.S. CFE partners that are not NATO members also support the suspension of commitments in response to Russia's decision. Mr. Sullivan wrote that suspending CFE treaty commitments enhances NATO's deterrent and defensive capabilities following Moscow's decision. Portions of this report are sourced from Reuters.