Russia-Ukraine war live: Nato allies condemn Russia’s withdrawal from key cold war-era security treaty

Nato allies condemn Russia’s withdrawal from key cold war-era security treaty

Nato allies have condemned a decision by Russia to withdraw from a key cold war-era security treaty (see earlier post at 08.22), saying they now intend to suspend its operation for “as long as necessary”.

Most of Nato’s 31 allies have signed the treaty of conventional armed forces in Europe, which was aimed at preventing cold war rivals from massing forces at or near mutual borders.

It was signed in November 1990, but not fully ratified until two years later.

In a statement, Nato said:

Allies condemn Russia’s decision to withdraw from the treaty on conventional armed forces in Europe (CFE), and its war of aggression against Ukraine which is contrary to the treaty’s objectives.

Russia’s withdrawal is the latest in a series of actions that systematically undermines Euro-Atlantic security.

Therefore, as a consequence, allied states parties intend to suspend the operation of the CFE Treaty for as long as necessary, in accordance with their rights under international law.

This is a decision fully supported by all Nato allies.

Russia’s foreign ministry announced earlier on Tuesday that Moscow had finalised its withdrawal.

Russia said the US push for enlargement of Nato had led to alliance countries “openly circumventing” the treaty’s group restrictions, and added that the admission of Finland into Nato and Sweden’s application meant the treaty was dead.