The European Union believes that Russia must fulfill the obligations it has undertaken under the Treaty on Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (START) and give the United States the possibility to inspect its nuclear arsenals. This was stated in a communiqué from the European Union’s External Action Service.
The document states that the previously signed treaty strengthens strategic stability and mutual trust between the two major nuclear powers, America and Russia.
The suspension of the treaty “undermines the European security architecture and significantly sets back arms control efforts,” the statement said.
The European Union noted that the loss of control over nuclear arsenals serves neither the interests of the treaty’s member states nor those of any other country. Brussels called on Moscow to facilitate inspections and preserve the treaty.
Let us recall that Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, during his address to the Federal Assembly, announced the suspension of Russia’s participation in the Treaty on Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms. He also ordered preparations for the resumption of nuclear testing.
