Russia withdraws from CFE treaty that limits production of weapons in European armies
The Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which restricts certain categories of conventional military equipment and mandates the elimination of excess weapons, was renounced by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This is stated in the order of the President of the Russian Federation.
Putin appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Ryabkov as his official representative while considering the issue of withdrawing from the treaty. According to Putin's order, the issue will be considered by both chambers of the Russian parliament.
Russia is not currently an active participant in the treaty and has "suspended" its involvement since 2007. The reason behind this decision is Russia's accusation that NATO countries have failed to comply with the terms of the agreement, specifically in limiting the number of troops and equipment "on the flanks" of the European continent. Additionally, NATO has refused to ratify the post-Soviet collapse treaty without the prior withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia and Moldova.
