Russia to Abandon Missile Moratorium Amid Escalating Arms Race

Russia announced plans to end its moratorium on deploying intermediate and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles, citing U.S. deployment of similar weapons worldwide, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Sunday.

The decision signals the final collapse of arms control agreements like the Cold War-era INF Treaty, which the U.S. exited in 2019, accusing Russia of violations. Lavrov noted that conditions for strategic dialogue with Washington are currently nonexistent, further straining ties between the two nuclear powers.

The move raises fears of a renewed arms race, with Russia, the U.S., and China now pursuing advanced missile systems. Recent developments include Russia's use of a new hypersonic missile, "Oreshnik," in Ukraine, highlighting the growing risks of unchecked weapons proliferation.