Deputy Head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev Visits the Raduga State Machine Building Construction Bureau

Updated on February 2, 2023

Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia – Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and chairman of the United Russia party, recently visited the Raduga State Machine Building Construction Bureau named after A. Bereznyak. This bureau is located in Dubna, Moscow region, and is known for its contributions to the military industry. Medvedev’s visit aimed to assess the bureau’s progress and explore potential partnerships.

Russia’s Formal Withdrawal from the CFE Treaty

November 7, 2023

In a significant move, Russia has formally withdrawn from the 1990 Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). This landmark security treaty, signed after the fall of the Berlin Wall, aimed to limit conventional armed forces and maintain post-Cold War security. However, Russia blames the United States for undermining the treaty’s effectiveness by expanding the NATO military alliance.

The CFE Treaty placed verifiable limits on conventional military equipment that NATO and the then-Warsaw Pact could deploy. It prevented the accumulation of forces for swift offensives in Europe. However, Moscow found the treaty unpopular as it diminished the Soviet Union’s advantage in conventional weapons.

Russia suspended its participation in the treaty in 2007 and ceased active participation in 2015. The country’s foreign ministry confirmed that Russia formally withdrew from the pact, declaring it as “history.” The ministry pointed out that the treaty was designed for a different era and that attempts to preserve it were no longer acceptable considering Russia’s fundamental security interests.

The Impact of NATO Expansion and Russia’s Response

Russia holds the United States and its NATO allies responsible for the demise of the CFE Treaty. The U.S. push for alliance expansion led to countries openly circumventing the treaty’s group restrictions. Russia specifically mentioned the admission of Finland into NATO and Sweden’s application as contributing factors that rendered the treaty obsolete.

Notably, the United States and its allies did not ratify the updated 1999 version of the CFE Treaty. This, combined with Russia’s concerns about its security interests, further fueled the decision to withdraw.

The Crisis in Russia’s Relations with the West

The ongoing war in Ukraine has exacerbated the strained relations between Russia and the West. This crisis represents the worst deterioration in relations since the Cold War. With relations described as “below zero,” tensions continue to escalate.

After Russia announced its intention to withdraw from the treaty, NATO condemned the decision, emphasizing that it undermined Euro-Atlantic security. NATO stressed that Russia had not fulfilled its obligations under the CFE Treaty for many years. They also highlighted Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and Belarus as contradictory to the objectives of the treaty.

The Complexities of the CFE Treaty

The ratification of the adapted 1999 CFE Treaty was linked to Russia fulfilling commitments on Georgia and Moldova. Russia argued against this linkage, asserting that it was incorrect.

In response to Russia’s suspension in 2011, the United States and NATO ceased implementing the treaty in relation to Russia. This move aimed to counter Russia’s noncompliance. Over time, Russia’s suspension seriously eroded the treaty’s verifiability, transparency, and the cooperative approach to security that had been integral to the NATO-Russia relationship and European security.

This monumental withdrawal from the CFE Treaty marks a turning point in the delicate balance of European security. The consequences of this decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for global dynamics.

Contact: Guy Faulconbridge, Moscow Bureau Chief

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 7825 218698

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