Russia prepares response to US pullout from INF Treaty

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

Russia on Tuesday discussed possible steps in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) at a meeting headed by President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, a statement said.

According to the statement issued by the Kremlin, Putin said Russia has always been ready for dialogue with the U.S. on this issue, but the decision to withdraw from the treaty cannot remain unanswered.

Noting that Russia has hypersonic weapons that can overcome any missile defense system, the president said his country will continue to strengthen its army and navy to ensure country's security.

According to him, Russia needs to improve combat training while using experience it got in Syria, to continue equipping the army and navy with modern weapons and to focus on educational work with the personnel.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Treaty was signed in 1987 by then Soviet Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

On Oct. 21, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the treaty.