Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during the opening ceremony for the 29th Winter Universiade games at the Platinum Arena in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Saturday, March 2, 2019. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP) (Associated Press)MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin on Monday suspended Russia’s participation in a key nuclear arms treaty, in response to Washington’s decision to withdraw. The INF treaty was one of the issues discussed in what the Russia’s Defense Ministry described as “constructive” talks. Russia has denied any breaches, and accused the U.S. of violating the pact. The move also reflected President Donald Trump’s administration’s view that the treaty was an obstacle to efforts needed to counter intermediate-range missiles deployed by China, which isn’t part of the treaty.

Source: Washington Post March 04, 2019 15:13 UTC