Russia will not extend nuclear treaty if NATO missile defense system is present in Europe
The Federation Council of Russia stated that the extension of the New START treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) has been frozen. Russia will not agree to extend the treaty, if the text does not take into consideration its concerns about the deployment of NATO missile defense systems in Europe, the Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, Viktor Ozerov, told RIA Novosti.
According to him the deployment of missile defense systems in the 3rd and 4th position areas is a violation of military balance provisions. He also said that at the time of ratification of the treaty the Russian parliament warned that the deployment of missile defense systems could result in Russia's withdrawal from the Treaty.
According to Ozerov, when the decision on missile defense systems was made, the US explained its need to prevent attacks from Iran. "It is not clear now that Iran's nuclear program has been resolved that one can explain the need for these missile defense elements," Viktor Ozerov said.
Last month, Washington accused Moscow of violating the New START treaty. The U.S.A. announced that Russia dismantled but did not destroy the components of its RT-2PM Topol missile system.