At a time of rising global tensions, Russia has withdrawn from a historic disarmament treaty that limited Moscow and NATO’s military capabilities in Europe. This came against the backdrop of increasingly tense relations between the superpowers, which had not been so critical since the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Russian Foreign Ministry declared the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) to be “history” and no longer serve Russia’s interests. The “Daily Express” reports that the move came after allegations that NATO had circumvented the treaty.

NATO suspends the treaty

In response, NATO decided to suspend the CFE Treaty. According to the Daily Express, NATO justifies this by saying that Russia repeatedly violates arms control principles. Russia’s termination of the treaty came immediately after Putin’s decision to end participation in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and test a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile. The Daily Express highlights that Western support for Ukraine has further strained relations between Russia and NATO.

Historical context of the KSE

The CFE Treaty was signed in 1990 to prevent a balance of conventional forces in Europe and rapid warfare. Despite its importance for Europe’s security, the treaty was criticized in Russia. NATO accuses Russia of not adhering to the treaty for over a decade. The Daily Express quotes the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying that the agreement was concluded at a time when a new, cooperative security architecture seemed conceivable.

Ukraine on track – four of seven EU criteria met.