Saliba explained in an intervention on ‘Sputnik’ radio that Russia’s use of this right does not stem from a position of supplication or weakness but from a standpoint of sovereign decision-making. He pointed out that Moscow sends a message through this decision, indicating that the world is no longer unipolar and that it is no longer possible to deter powers that rise for their sovereignty.
Saliba believes that the United States’ withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is not the first of its kind in the context of Western withdrawals from treaties and their disrespect for agreements. He noted that the West’s renunciation of agreements poses a threat to Russian national security and international security in general.
He emphasized the necessity for Russia to ‘take the initiative,’ pointing out that ‘a tactical response has become a strategic necessity,’ and that ‘the fundamental problem lies in the Western mindset.’ He mentioned that the current elites managing Europe have extreme minds swinging between dictatorship and Nazism, and that the West is burdened with its historical and colonial ailments.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Tuesday that there are no longer any restrictions on medium- and short-range missiles. Peskov commented on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement regarding the end of conditions for maintaining the voluntary suspension of ground-launched medium- and short-range missiles, stating: ‘Russia no longer has any restrictions in this regard.’
On the previous Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia had observed the end of the necessary conditions to continue maintaining the unilateral suspension of deploying ground-launched medium- and short-range missiles. Therefore, it no longer considers itself bound by previously adopted self-imposed restrictions.
The Ministry affirmed that this development leads to an enhancement of missile capabilities in regions adjacent to Russia, posing a direct threat to Russia’s strategic security. It stated: ‘The United States and its allies have not only publicly announced their plans to deploy American medium-range ground missiles in various areas but have also made significant progress in the practical implementation of their intentions.’
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev described the announcement of lifting the ban on the deployment of Russian medium- and short-range missiles as a result of the anti-Russian policies pursued by NATO countries, calling for anticipation of further steps.
