Controversial Russian nuclear missile system in NATO sights
NATO claims it will be forced to act if Russia does not destroy a controversial short-range nuclear missile system which is allegedly capable of striking Europe without notice.
The Pentagon has shared information with NATO allies asserting that Russia's 9M729 missile system contravenes the landmark 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty.
The INF treaty bans production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500-5500 kilometres.
Russian military serviceman stands near the Iskander M Missile complex during a briefing on the issue of creation ground-based cruise missile 9M729 at Patriot military exhibition center in Moscow region, Russia. AAP
Pentagon officials believe the ground-fired 9M729 cruise missile could give Moscow the ability to launch a nuclear strike in Europe with little or no notice.
NATO defence ministers are set to endorse a list of measures that could be used against Russia should it refuse to comply, Jens Stoltenberg, the military alliance's secretary general, said on Tuesday (local time).
In February, the US began the six-month process of withdrawing from the 1987 treaty agreed with the then Soviet Union, blaming Russia for refusing to comply with the pact.
The INF treaty will end unless Russia changes its mind by August 2. NATO ministers are weighing what steps to take in response.
"Tomorrow we will decide on the next steps in the case Russia does not comply," Stoltenberg told reporters on the eve of the meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
In January this year the Russian defense Ministry invited foreign military attaches and journalists to show in reality a new missile for Iskander M launcher and explained that characteristics of the new missile don't violate USSR-USA Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, which was one of the base stones of International nuclear stability. USA has announced their intend to terminate the treaty because of Russia's violation. AAP
Stoltenberg did not elaborate what measures NATO might be considering.
Moscow has insisted its 9M729 missile system has a range of less than 500 kilometres. Moscow has also countered that the US, not Russia, has been breaching the INF treaty.
Stoltenberg declined to elaborate what steps NATO might take, but said some can be implemented "quite quickly." Others, he said, "will take more time."
NATO wants Russia to take part in a meeting of ambassadors next week to discuss the issue, as time runs out to save the INF treaty - which is considered a cornerstone of European defence.
NATO's response will be "defensive, measured and coordinated," he said.
"We will not mirror what Russia does, we do not intend to deploy new land based nuclear missiles in Europe. We do not want a new arms race."
With AP.
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