Putin Suspends Russia’s Participation , in the New START Treaty.<br />Associated Press reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin made the announcement on Feb. 21.<br />The treaty is the last nuclear arms <br />control pact Russia has with the U.S.<br />While making his announcement, Putin accused NATO and the U.S. of publicly declaring a desire <br />to see Russia defeated in Ukraine. .<br />While making his announcement, Putin accused NATO and the U.S. of publicly declaring a desire <br />to see Russia defeated in Ukraine. .<br />He also said Russia should be ready <br />to conduct nuclear weapons tests. .<br />They want to inflict a ‘strategic defeat’ on us and try to get to our nuclear facilities at the same time, Vladimir Putin, Russian president, via state-of-the-nation address.<br />In this context, I have to declare today that Russia is suspending its participation in the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Arms, Vladimir Putin, Russian president, via state-of-the-nation address.<br />NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg <br />addressed Putin's announcement, saying, , “with today’s decision on New START, full arms <br />control architecture has been dismantled.”.<br />I strongly encourage Russia to reconsider its decision and respect existing agreements, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, via statement.<br />Putin responded by calling the nuclear weapons of Britain and France into question since they aren't included in the pact. .<br />They are also aimed against us. They are aimed against Russia. , Vladimir Putin, Russian president, via state-of-the-nation address.<br />Before we return to discussing the treaty, we need to understand what are the aspirations of NATO members Britain and France... , Vladimir Putin, Russian president, via state-of-the-nation address.<br />... and how we take it into account their strategic arsenals that are part of the alliance’s combined strike potential, Vladimir Putin, Russian president, via state-of-the-nation address
